Stand up

Linking up with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday and Laura at  Faith Filled Friday

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." Winston Churchill

When I was a kid.....I never put my hand up in class....not even when I knew the answer. 
Fear wouldn't let me. 
Fear of being laughed at. 
Fear....it's what always kept me from having my voice. 
Fear....a brick barrier....a solid wall.....always blocking me from standing up and speaking out.

Although I still don't like speaking in groups or standing up and knowing everyone's eyes are on me.....I push myself now. I know I have something to say ...a truth that someone might need to hear.....a message of hope.....that nothing is impossible to overcome.....and that some things done to others is not right or fair.

And I never used to think that sitting down and listening took any guts.....This last year I've learned that it really does. Listening and not reacting takes courage, especially when everything inside wants to shout and scream and fight back.

Standing up....speaking up.....sitting down....listening - it never came easy for me. I always have to force myself.....get in a mindset....gear myself up.....but something I discovered.....the benefits are incredible.

Stand up for what you believe in.....