Saturday, December 1, 2012

Stand up

Linking up with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday and Laura at  Faith Filled Friday

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Winston Churchill

When I was a kid.....I never put my hand up in class....not even when I knew the answer. 
Fear wouldn't let me. 
Fear of being laughed at. 
Fear....it's what always kept me from having my voice. 
Fear....a brick barrier....a solid wall.....always blocking me from standing up and speaking out.

Although I still don't like speaking in groups or standing up and knowing everyone's eyes are on me.....I push myself now. I know I have something to say ...a truth that someone might need to hear.....a message of hope.....that nothing is impossible to overcome.....and that some things done to others is not right or fair.

And I never used to think that sitting down and listening took any guts.....This last year I've learned that it really does. Listening and not reacting takes courage, especially when everything inside wants to shout and scream and fight back.

Standing up....speaking up.....sitting down....listening - it never came easy for me. I always have to force myself.....get in a mindset....gear myself up.....but something I discovered.....the benefits are incredible.

Stand up for what you believe in.....


17 comments:

Just Be Real said...

Nikki, you just described my school experiences as well.

The Lord is also pushing me, "frontward." Exposing more at times of me than I like. There are still areas that are just not ready yet for me to advance. But, for the most part, I am amazed at myself when I end up doing something or finding myself somewhere that I would never of done without the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I liked what you said about the listening part. Most my life I did not listen. Not that I did not care. But I zoned out. Survival mode.

I am finding out, like you, those benefits you mentioned are incredible when we do obey!

Thank you dear one for sharing.

Hugs

Connie said...

It does take courage to find your voice and say what needs to be said. I've had trouble with this in the past as well. Being able to listen to another's viewpoint without judging is not always easy either but also important. Very nice post!

dawn said...

You said it for me!!! Maybe this is why I LOVE attending college at "my" age! I am NOT that little girl anymore. I have grown, I like me and I am NOT afraid to stumble.

Really loved this one!
So good to be back reading!

Wanda's Wings said...

You are an inspiration.

Renee said...

Great post, with much to ponder...courage to listen...I think that is so true for me too. God bless.

Renee from Adventures in Faithful Living.

Lisa notes... said...

Love that Winston Churchill quote.

I praise God that you learned to stand up to fear because you DO have something to say. And yet you still know when to sit down and listen. A wise woman, you are. Love you, Nikki.

Denise said...

Hi Sarah,
Both listening and/or speaking up at the right time can be difficult; it's still a challenge for me even today! But when we see ourselves the way God does we learn to embrace who we are and stand out in the crowd with our own personal characteristics. He gave us a voice, and we definitely have something to say!

Great post!
Blessings my friend,
Denise

Amrita said...

my childhood wa s also full of fear , I still have to deal with it, but God is changing me

Susy said...

That wasn't my childhood story, but I can relate to having to learn to sit down and be quiet. Even in my old age, I'm still working on keeping my mouth shut. Guess we're all still in the peocess of growing to be more like Him. Blessings.

RCUBEs said...

That's what I did at work...I stood up against the wrong treatments some people do. It took courage. But I know it's not me. He is the One Who strengthens me. It is a great feeling to be able to speak up and let those people know who abuse their power that I was not afraid. But I owed that to Him. Because of the eternal hope He gives. His love that is faithful and His Word that lasts forever.

Karen said...

I am finding that it takes guts to "be still and know that HE is GOD!" Thank you for a great post.

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

Lovely post. I find it easy to sit and listen, it's speaking up that I've found to be a challenge. God is good and continues to work on my life.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I never raised my hand either. I like this post, I am better and speaking up. I also do enjoy listening.

Charlotte said...

I had never heard this song. I like the words. It is important to stand up for what you believe in. It takes wisdom to know when to speak up and when to keep quiet. Thank you for sharing this thought provoking post.
Blessings,
Charlotte

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I was the same way in class. Amen ,you are right both take courage.
Merry Christmas!

Sharon said...

Ah yes, Nikki - the challenge of knowing when to speak up, and when to remain silent. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit is the only one who can help us discern which to do. It takes courage to speak up, and self-control to stay silent - and both are the work of God in our lives.

So, I'm going to be silent now and let your message sink in!

GOD BLESS!

Pamela said...

As I age I find it easier to stand up and speak. Especially when it involves the Lord.