Speak up!

At one time or another, many of our voices have been silenced. Some still are. In my case, it was a matter of insecurity. I had learned early in my life that it was best to keep my mouth shut. Anything less could bring shame or consequence. I wanted neither. I had things to say and a powerful and creative mind to boot, but I didn’t have the courage to share my thoughts, especially if they were in opposition to the norm. I wasn’t going to be dismissed by anyone, for any reason, or any time. As a result, I kept most of my deepest thoughts to myself.

Fast forward many years. I’m relatively reserved in my personal life, outspoken and candid in my professional life. There’s always room for improvement, but all in all I think I’ve found a pretty good balance. I’ve been a business professor for two decades, a conference speaker, an executive coach, a mentor, a writer, a musician, a singer, and a songwriter. I surprise myself sometimes, a natural introvert who can captivate and hold the attention of a large audience. I don’t understand it, and many who knew me in my formative years don’t either. The kid who would walk home from school and choose the emptiest side of each road. The kid who would cover his mouth and speak through a closed fist, afraid of those who would laugh at his smile and dismiss anything he had to say. The kid who lost himself in the isolation of Elvis records, an escape from the shallowness of his own existence. The kid who thought he didn’t have a hint of redeeming value or a life worth living. Yes, that was me.

As I reflect om what I’ve written, it’s not that I’m any different than anyone else, but then again I am. I believe we are all here for a reason, a specific purpose. Whether or not we fulfill that purpose is often determined by whether or not we’ll step into the power of our own uniqueness. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’ve discovered my voice and I’m using it to the very best of my ability. I’ll let God take care of the rest. I’ve been wounded in my life and I’ve been discarded. I’ve been ridiculed and dismissed, ignored and humiliated, and counted out. I’ve been lied to, lied about, and demonized. Yet my baritone voice resonates in all I do and when I can’t speak, I will write. I need to be heard and so do YOU!

Someone is waiting to hear what YOU have to say. They are sitting on the edge of their seat, poised in anticipation of your insight, wisdom, and humor. They want to hear you, yet you remain silent. You are discarding a piece of the worlds puzzle and it will wither in pain because of it. There are songs inside of you or maybe a book that’s waiting for the pages to be inked. Perhaps it’s a work of art that will hang in the halls of your family home for generations to come, a reflection of who you were and what you stood for. Then again, maybe it’s a single comment that will carry someone through the pain of life and set them free, or a song that whispers encouragement and hope in the midst of life’s frailty.

Clear your throat, take a deep breath, and speak. You might be surprised at how far your words travel and how deeply they’re embraced. We’re counting on you!

E. Jake Gamble

Leadership Support Services, LLC.

Fort Wayne, IN.

765-661-4478

[email protected]