DO YOU OWN YOUR VOICE?
Do you own your voice?
Your voice encompasses your expressions, opinions, and thoughts. Owning your voice means having the confidence to speak up and share your feelings or views.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines voice as a: wish, choice, or opinion openly or formally expressed, the voice of the people b: a right of expression; also: influential power.
It’s quite revealing that the voice is defined as a source of influential power. I believe this is because owning your voice allows you to communicate with confidence and clarity, which builds credibility. Once credibility is established, we gain expert, legitimate, and referent power—three of the five types of power identified by French and Raven. Owning your voice enables you to speak openly and with authority.
Do You Speak from Your Heart?
Being a great speaker (orator) doesn’t always mean you own your words or speech. Many can deliver from a script and sound prophetic and confident. But speaking from the heart, putting values above all, is owning your voice. So, I ask you, do you speak from your heart?
To Be Seen and Not Heard
Is it easy for you to share your thoughts, or do you wait for the right moment only to find it never comes? Some people weren’t allowed to express their opinions as children or young adults. Certain generations were taught to be seen and not heard. This is especially true for women. It’s difficult to break free from the norms and expectations set by families or society. These unspoken rules greatly influence our behavior.
We all want to be seen and heard. The greatest benefit of owning your voice is to be recognized.
“Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!” Isaiah 58:1 MSG
What is Not Owning Your Voice
Owning your voice does not mean shouting your biased opinions or creating conflict around you. It’s about holding to your beliefs and values. You need to truly know who you are and what you stand for when sharing your opinions. If you don’t know yourself or your beliefs, you might appear indecisive, which can hurt your influence. Remember, your power and presence come from your expressions and what you stand for.
I suggest that those I mentor create an informal mission statement, something that states what’s important to them, their core values. My own core values serve as a guide and help me stay connected to my purpose. I shared my core values in my post, “What Drives You?” Knowing our core values makes us feel more confident when we speak up.
Finding Your Voice Will Strengthen You
As you discover your voice, remember that not everyone may be comfortable with someone who confidently owns it. While some people might find it challenging to embrace their self-assurance, it’s important to recognize that this is more about their own insecurities than anything you’ve done. Often, people who crave control or feel threatened by your strength and confidence might try to undermine your speech. Because of this, staying connected to your core beliefs can give you extra confidence and clarity on your journey.
Finding your voice will not only empower you but also enable you to stand up for those around you who have yet to find theirs.
“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers.” Proverbs 31:8 MSG
We Are Called to Encourage
As women, we are called to encourage, equip, and empower one another. I can’t think of a better way to support one another than through our words, using our power and influence to better one another.
“The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.” Psalm 68:11 NIV
Let’s proclaim it together!
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As a blogger, this reminds me of finding that specific niche. It took years. Now when I speak I am sharing my heart, my core values. It had to be found in walking with God instead of wanting my own way.
Good morning Kelly! Thank you for sharing. I enjoy your posts and I’m so happy we connected!
I loved reading your reflections here. Voice is my word for the year and I’m definitely making progress in owning my voice. I love the verse from Proverbs 31 about speaking up for others too.
Thank you for sharing Lesley! I’d love to hear about your journey with owning your voice! Let me know if you would be interested in serving as a guest blogger or I’d be happy to share the post in my monthly newsletter! Thank you for connecting!
What a delight to visit your blog, Robin. I love your heart to encourage us to embrace our voice – especially as you encourage caution in what that does NOT involve. I agree, speaking with truth and conviction, but grace and kindness are such a beautiful balance and so impactful.
Thank you for connecting Tiffany and thank you for the encouragement! I look forward to connecting!
Being willing to speak and communicate confidently is empowering, but I think we also need to remember HOW we speak is just as important as what we say. As we walk more boldly in who we are as believers, we need to remember to embrace the admonition from 1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Thanks for your post!
Thank you for sharing Karen. I so agree, how we speak is just as important as what we say. It is also important that our actions follow our words! Thank you for connecting with Robinality today!
Amen, Robin! I haven’t always known my voice. But God is changing that. He has a way, doesn’t He? Often, speaking our honest thoughts in a tough situation is just that – honesty. It’s walking in the center of God’s will. I’ve had to remind myself of that, especially when others opinions seem to be at stake. Ultimately, however, we’re here for One. Enjoyed visiting. Thanks for swinging by my blog as well. You’re a gem!
Thank you for your kind words Kristi! It took me several years to find my voice and I’m still learning! I’ve discovered as I walk in faith, He continues to guide me and direct my steps and my voice!
Love your voice. I look forward to reading your posts.
Thank you Debbie. I look forward to connecting with you as well. Thank you for the encouragement!
Robin- I spent years hiding my voice because I grew up in a household where my voice didn’t really matter. Slowly over the last few years, it’s coming alive. I’m embracing my unique voice instead of trying to hide it.
Visiting from #Salt&Light
Hello Julie! Thank you for sharing. I’ve had a similar experience. It took years for me to believe in myself, to find my voice, and to understand its ok to ask for what you want. I’m slowly peeling back the layers. It’s very freeing. Thank you for connecting. I’m looking forward to hearing more of your voice in your writing!
Several years ago I was an instructor at a university. I was teaching health courses and I found that it was so easy to teach about certain topics, but not about others. If I was passionate about a topic, then it was easy to teach on it (and vice versa). This is what comes to mind when you share about speaking from the heart and knowing your values.
I think I can take this understanding and apply it to other areas of my life. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Shannon. Thank you for sharing. I would agree. There are a few topics I’m just not comfortable writing about and that’s OK. I believe if it’s a message God wants me to share, He will lay it on my heart!
Growing up in an alcoholic home, I learned from a very young age to suppress my voice. The last few years of blogging have provided such a safe space for me to finally find it again. I love this and couldn’t agree more: “Finding your voice will not only strengthen you, but it will also allow you to stand up for those around you who have yet to find their voice.” Thank you for that reminder :).
Thank you for sharing your heart Candace! I have found a safe place in blogging as well. Using our platforms to encourage one another in love has been so fulfilling. I look forward to connecting with you!
WOW and new blog to visit. So glad you came to my house this morning. Do you do your own illustrating? xoxoxo
Hello Susan and welcome! Thank you for visiting and commenting. I purchase the vectors and modify as needed. I also work with a very talented VA who has a gift for illustrations. I look forward to connecting.