Speak Up!

 

It was a normal week day. I showed up to class and found my seat. I had no idea that today was going to be anything but typical.

As I gathered my notebook and pen, I was only half paying attention when I heard the professor say my name. “Shanda, what’s your take on abortion,” he asked.

Wait. Are we really doing this? 

There were more than two hundred students in the class. Why in the world would he call me out? What did I do? 

As I sat there, all the signs of nerves began to show. My palms became sweaty. My heart started to race. How should I answer? 

The auditorium was completely quiet. The professor looked smug as he stared at me from his desk that looked miles away. He studied me and waited for my response. He wasn’t going to let this go. 

“I don’t agree with abortion,” I said meekly. 

“You don’t agree with abortion” he repeated. “How about when someone is raped?” 

That answer wasn’t good enough? Why does he keep calling me out? My heart rate was still high and I couldn’t calm my nerves. I felt like the professor singled me out on purpose. It was as if he knew what I believed and because he didn’t agree, he was going to harass me until he defeated me. 

“I don’t think abortion is ever acceptable, even in the event of rape,” I said. By this time, I could see some of the students were getting upset with me. The professor seemed proud of himself and yet disgusted with me at the same time. 

I sat there wondering if I was done being interrogated when I noticed a paper I had written on the professors desk. Every once in a while he would glance over at it as if to gain more information about me and what I believed. 

It wasn’t by chance at all that he had picked me to ask this question to.

He knew exactly what he was doing and who I was. He just didn’t like what I had to say. 

The professor had one final question for me. In his last effort to get me to come to his side, he gave a scenario in which he thought for sure would break me. He said, “What if the mom is about to die while giving birth? Whose life do you choose?”

Well played, professor. I see what you’re doing here. But I’m not God. 

And with that I said, “That’s not for me to decide. In that case, the mother and father will have to choose.” 

I heard murmurs and grumbles throughout the auditorium. The professor looked at me and smirked. He didn’t win. I didn’t win. But I think he got satisfaction out of the idea that he created a fuss. 

When I left the class that day, I was a bit scared someone would jump me. I knew there were people that were very upset with my opinion.

Looking back now, I am so glad I stood my ground. Not because I’m proud of that event. Actually, if I knew then what I know now I would have elaborated on my stance even more. 

But I stood for something then, and I’m proud that a professor couldn’t silence me. 

Use Your Voice

We live in a culture today that is afraid to offend. Because of that, more people keep silent when they should speak up. If you have a differing view from modern thinking, you’ll be called a hater, a bigot, unloving. 

I want to get you to consider something … the world will try and silence anyone that disagrees. This isn’t a new concept. It’s been around for thousands of years. The disciples went through it when they spoke about Jesus. They were told to stay silent and ordered not to speak in His name anymore. 

Can you imagine what would happen if they did? It’s very possible you and I wouldn’t know the message of the gospel today if they kept their mouths shut. 

I often think of Jesus’ words to Paul in Acts 18:9 when He said, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking. Do not be silent.” 

When it comes to speaking Truth and the good news of the gospel, your voice is the driving force in advancing the kingdom. 

What if No One Supports Me?

There have been many times when I’ve shared things on social media or blog posts and wondered if anyone would agree. Would anyone share it? Would someone argue with me and dislike me over my views? 

I’m going to be honest with you and tell you there are times when people won’t agree. Some won’t even support you. Not even the ones who call you a friend or tell you they love you. Jesus said in Matt 10:22, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” 

Any time you speak the words of God and uphold truth, you will be noticed. Some will agree; many won’t. 

We live in a day and age where it’s important to stand up for what’s right. It’s imperative that we stand up for God’s word and His truth. It’s what sets people free. 

The Bile tells us that people come to faith by hearing. And it’s not just hearing anything … it’s hearing the word of God. Who will speak it? 

Are You A Truth Speaker? 

Jesus said that people are ready to come to Him. He just doesn’t have enough workers to speak the truth and stand for it. Are you willing to use your voice to stand for truth? 

Isaiah 52:7 says, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace, and brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation,And says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'”

I want to be one who announces good news in the midst of a culture that desperately needs words of life. Will you join me? 

For More …

To hear more about this topic, check out this week’s podcast on Her Faith Inspires: Finding your voice with Csilla Muscan. 

For FREE resource and devotionals, click here.