To speak up, to speak loudly and boldly about who you are and what you need can be challenging, especially for those with a history of trauma or who have been raised in households in which being quiet and staying out of the way was your best form of survival.

But Jesus’ message in the scriptures seems to indicate that in his presence, we are encouraged to “speak up!”

In fact, throughout the scriptures, God has encouraged those who felt they had no voice or an inadequate voice to speak boldly and loudly, particularly when it comes to God’s will, for that is how God’s message will be heard!

Think of the Hebrew prophets for a moment! Nearly every one of them protested taking on this very vocal role. For one thing, it could get you killed! Second, none of them felt they were up for the job!

Moses …