I haven’t posted anything online in quite some time. I think big reason for that is I’ve been asking myself, “does my voice matter?”

There was a time where I could fairly confidently answer that question. Yes, I did believe that my voice mattered. But as I look at the larger landscape, especially in social media, where so many of us attempt to make our thoughts heard, I see an ocean of voices, many shouting angerly at each other and many others grasping for attention and looking for approval, and I think, “I don’t want to add to that noise.”

I realize that could sound pompous and judgmental. I know there are lots of good people out there on the interwebs doing their best to try and shine their light and put a little positivity into the world. And if I take an honest look, I realize I’ve been guilty at times of doing the very things I criticize.

On the other side of the coin, I see others who have such great things to say, and communicate so eloquently and profoundly that I feel stunted by thoughts of comparison and think, “I couldn’t say it that well so why try?”

But as I peel back the layers on my personal thought process and gaze into my doubts, I realize the question goes even deeper.

The question isn’t simply “does my voice matter on social media.”

The real question is, “Does what I say and do matter? Can I make a difference in this world?”

It is one of my most core beliefs that EVERYONE absolutely has a voice and can make a difference. So why do I have a difficult time believing it for myself?

As usual, fear and shame are at core of my uncertainties. They are two of the most crippling feelings. There is fear of what others might think. There is shame, an experience of wrestling with my self-worth and struggling to believe in my God-given goodness.

I realize not everyone fights these dark thoughts and feelings, but based on experience, I think the vast majority of us do to some level. And I think it is a tragedy. How much potential dies wasted on the desolate shores of fear and shame? How many encouraging words, or loving actions are not carried out because of self-doubt?

So, this post is a pep talk to myself and for those of you that need to hear it.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS! YOU MATTER!

Now more than ever we need people to stand up bravely and use the voice that God has given them.

For some that may mean using their actual voice, for some it could mean using their hands to create something beautiful and meaningful, for others it could mean sharing a loving or helpful action. There are lots of types of voices out there and I truly believe we all have something to share.

As we think about using our voices, whatever form they might take, I think there is a helpful filter we can use to test if it is something that needs to be said or done. We can ask ourselves – “Is it kind, is it helpful, is it loving?” If it is then we need to shout it from the roof tops! Our society is in desperate need of encouragement and hope right now!

So friends, here’s to using our voices in 2021 to spread as much love and kindness as possible!