Years ago, when I first used that phrase “voice for the voiceless”, I thought it was only for a few…my sister (who has autism), those with intellectual disabilities and those who no longer had family. As time passed, I realized it’s for anyone. It’s for (fill in the blank). It’s inclusive. It’s for us ALL.
At some point, we may all have felt that we had no voice, or our voice didn’t count. What I didn’t fully realize (till a few short years ago) was that the little girl (my inner child) who didn’t feel worthy, safe, valuable enough to stand up for…who never felt enough – not good enough, not intelligent enough, not attractive enough, not spiritual enough, not funny enough, etc…had a voice…and could use her voice!
Voice.for.the.Voiceless.
I found my voice and lost it and found it and lost it so much over the years. Ok, some years, I just sat on it. I was sad, disappointed and afraid at different points on this journey. I took to heart the words that other humans said. Some well-intentioned, some hurtful-not-helpful, some unkind and some positive.
My words to myself were cutting…an attempt to “beat myself into shape” mentally. I didn’t realize I was silencing myself. As much as others hurt me, I didn’t see that I had joined them in squashing my own voice.
Also, what I believed for so long was that my voice could be taken, but what I know today is that I need not give my voice away. Words may be said, hurtful actions taken against me, but I can still stand on the solid ground of Truth. I can still speak up…even if it is just a Whisper.
IF my voice is literally stripped away, I can write. I can type. I can sign (not fluently!). I can wave my hands, a flag, a sign/poster. So, I will…for myself…for those who are differently abled…for those in a verbally/physically/mentally/emotionally or spiritually abusive relationship feeling no hope of relief…for those seeing no way out and feeling alone…for those trapped in their minds unable to express the myriad of thoughts…for those similar to my sister…for all who cross paths with me and are in need of a Voice.
I AM a voice for the voiceless.
Some days are exhausting beyond description. Some days are excruciatingly painful. Some days I feel so alone. I know I’m never alone, but some days it feels like I’m so alone. I am not alone. We are not alone. In the difficult moments, I AM reminding myself of these truths:
The Divine is ever-present, ever-near, always available for a chat. Even in moments when I feel distance, I close my eyes or take a deep breath and immediately sense Peace. I am not saying it’s always rainbows and butterflies and chocolate chip cookies. I am saying, we are promised the Presence of Peace, always.
We are not promised that this life will be comfortable or easy (although we tend to consistently seek that!). We are promised that we will never be abandoned, never be alone because the Presence of The Divine is with us.
The Divine is always available for a hug via a breeze, the waves/sounds of the ocean, the smile of a stranger, laughter, a song that moves our soul, shared tears and an innumerable amount of other ways. Take a deep breath or close your eyes or both and feel the Peace that surpasses all understanding.
Earlier this week, a friend sent me a Power/Affirmation/Truth statement that she wrote. It was/is thought-provoking and empowering so I wanted to share it for us all…I recommend reading it aloud and loudly if you can/want!
“Don’t be a Footnote. Write Your Own Story – I Write My Story. Breaking the Shackles of Expectations; I Soar Free, I Fly High. I May Win, Face Defeat or Just Get By. But I Own My Story. I define My Destiny. My Dreams, My Being. I Walk to My Own Beat and Sing to My Own Song. Never Mind the Conversations Around Me, About Me; Words of Hate May Become The Wind Beneath My Wings. I Am Not An Afterthought, Never a Footnote. I am the Headline, the Punchline. I Sweat my Days and Breathe in the Nights. I Laugh, I Tear Up, I Tread through, I Get Tired. But Never Give Up and Never Give In. I Live My Adventure. I Write My Own Story”. Gauthami Vemula, Founder: UGauGrrl.com
Also, fellow/caring humans are just a phone call, text, video chat or drive/flight away. Speak up! Reach out! HERE for and with YOU! We are not alone!
Common Day Hero: You are brave. You have a genuine love for all people. You have taken care of many around you and it does not go unnoticed. You are such a creative soul and I believe the world really needs your art. Sarah, I dedicate this post to you.