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Lift Your Voice

These days we hear a lot about the power of our voice. I recently received an invitation to speak in which the invitation stated that “my voice would be a valuable contribution.” Yet, sometimes, as women, and specifically as women leaders, we hesitate to lift our voices.

 

I’m reminded of a quote frequently attributed to Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” While this statement is well-meaning, I’ve always found myself at odds with its sentiment. The truth is, I don’t believe anyone’s life, on its own, can ever be so wholly good as to fully point to Christ. Our actions, as vital as they are, must always be accompanied by words—by proclamation of the Gospel.


Additionally, when we look at the book of Acts, we read story after story of proclamation. Luke, the historian recorded important words from Stephen, Peter, Paul, James, and others. In fact, one-third of the book of Acts is some form of testimony, dialogue, evangelistic preaching—in short, proclamation. Luke has proportionately more speech material in his book than other ancient historians. Why? Because “Luke is chronicling a historical movement that was carried forward in the main by evangelistic preaching” (Witherington, 118). Proclamation is crucial, whether it is evangelistic preaching, testimony, or declaration.


I have had people try to silence my voice. I served for many years as a missionary overseas. I remember when I was in Cambodia and running a conference one of the attendees who was a fellow missionary serving in another country was asking my help for something. While I was in conversation with this individual regarding the help he needed, he decided to throw into the conversation that he did not believe in my ministry and that he did not feel it was biblical.


It was a critical moment for me. Truthfully, I did not address the man or his comment. At that moment, I chose silence—not out of agreement, but because I believed that engaging in a confrontation would not serve the immediate purpose of the conference. Moreover, it was evident that this man, as my critic, had not prayerfully considered his words, me, or my ministry before lambasting me with his unsolicited opinion.


A wise person once told me, “Critique your critics.” That advice came to mind as I reflected on the situation later. Who was this man to speak so boldly regarding my calling? What authority or understanding did he have over my heart, my ministry, or my relationship with God? The answer was quite simple, none. Although that moment of unasked for criticism and negating of my call is deeply etched in my mind, there are grooves more deeply etched upon my soul. The grooves of grace and calling—the undeniable work of a mighty and faithful God, who is newly faithful in every season of my life.


Don’t allow anyone to rob you of your voice. Don’t lose heart or gumption or desire to proclaim the faithfulness of the Lord. The book of Acts records the acts of the apostles and their words to reveal the process of the expansion of Christianity across the known world. Words were not merely incidental; they were a crucial and salient component of the Gospel’s growth and rootedness in diverse communities.


Proclaiming the truth matters. Persist in speaking of the faithfulness of the Lord. Lift up your voice—because your voice, rooted in truth and grace, has the power to inspire, encourage, and point others to the unchanging faithfulness of God.



Julie T. Martinez, PhD.

Lee University

Cleveland, TN





Cited:


Witherington, B. (1997). The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.

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