Speak out … Say Something/Do Something

I’m going to be off work for a week so the time away might give me some perspective.  One area of focus is my words and works (actions) … what I say and do matters.

I don’t often speak out and I definitely keep my political views to myself.  While I’ll continue to keep my political views to myself (after all, I work for a media company and occasionally consult with our newsrooms on projects) it’s important to “speak out” for others.

For awhile now, we’ve been “attending” Church of the Resurrection online.  On Thursday, the theme verse of the day was Proverbs 31:8-9

8 Speak out on behalf of the voiceless,
and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
9 Speak out in order to judge with righteousness
and to defend the needy and the poor.

I thought this was a pretty fitting verse for these times.   Last Sunday, COR had a guest preacher. While Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton was a part of the service, he welcomed the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III to the pulpit and he delivered a powerful message about it being time to Step Up.

So, I will work to do a better job to …

• Speak out for those whom society pre-judges.
• Speak out for those who aren’t being heard.
• Speak out for those less fortunate.
• Speak out for those that need help.
• Speak out for those younger and weaker.
• Speak out for family.
• Speak out for my world, nation, state, city and neighborhood.
• Speak out for God and the church.

Some are judged by the color of their skin or by their name before they even speak.  Some are judged by whom they love. Each person is unique so let’s them live that way.

Some are unable to speak up for themselves so let’s make sure their voices are heard.

Let’s lend a helping hand keeping in mind that while it’s better to teach someone to fish than to just hand them a fish, sometimes it helps to get through the immediate need.

I need to be an advocate for my family and friends.

I am a citizen in the United States of America and I live in Kansas City, Missouri.  There are times when the places I’m associated with make me proud and other times when it makes me cringe to think of how my home is perceived by others.

I’m a Christian.  Years ago, Adam preached about “When Christians Get It Wrong” and there are many times that our faith is known more for what we’re against than truly what we stand for as a faith community.  Let’s change the conversation to be about taking a stand and sharing love with the world.

My children are grown but I know that I still learn lessons from my Mom (and I’m 50) so hopefully I can still share wisdom and insight with my kids and also with my grandkids.

While I’m not working (no access until June 29th) I will once again interact with employees, co-workers and even management.  I need to speak to them and for them to make sure all voices are heard.

In my career in marketing and research, I also have a professional  obligation to make sure that the voices found in research findings reach those that need to hear it.

My mantra and tagline for years has been “Finding the Information that you Need” but that isn’t always going to be about what you think you need; sometimes, it’s the information that you need to know but didn’t even realize it