What to Say

We are often caught between saying something or nothing at all in life as there are many around us who are quick to criticise what we say and how we say it. 

I have never felt like I am very good with words and my life circumstances have confirmed that on numerous occasions, but my husband is very quick to let me know when I use a word incorrectly (and most times he is correct)!

Here in Australia, we have a culture called ‘tall poppy’ syndrome –

In Australia, the concept of the "Aussie battler" has always been held in high regard. The idea that we should work hard to earn just enough money to survive is deeply ingrained in our national identity. This has led to a sense of pride in being an underdog or a member of the working class.

This love of the battler has also given rise to a phenomenon known as tall poppy syndrome. Tall poppy syndrome is the tendency to criticise or resent people who are successful, especially if they are seen as being arrogant. As you can picture, a 'tall poppy' is someone who seemingly rises above the rest — and needs to be cut down. The act of diminishing that success, or the idea of "bringing them down a peg or two" seems culturally distinct to Australia and New Zealand.

So instead of celebrating someone's achievements, we perceive them as getting "too big for their boots" and tend to attack, scrutinise, discredit, criticise or generally just dislike anyone in the public eye who is experiencing any level of success above our own. In other words, “to be cutting down the tall poppy”. 

https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/what-is-tall-poppy-syndrome

Unless you are seen to be proficient in the art of communication, to get your point across the correct way, it seems that we are encouraged not to even step up to the plate and share our opinion, basically just keep our mouth shut.

I don't have to tell you that your tongue is a powerful thing. It can be a tool that builds, and a balm that heals. It can be a sword that cuts and divides. It can also be an unruly member set on fire by hell. The Scripture says that, "death and life is in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21 ). Your tongue can speak words that can be either hurtful or helpful. Your enemy knows this. One of the evil purposes of chaotic adverse circumstances is to tempt you to change your confession and say the wrong things. As a Christian, your words contain power. So if the enemy can cause you to speak words of discouragement, doubt and fear, he can get you to prophesy your own defeat. - https://www.briansburke.com/dont-let-the-devil-steal-your-testimony/

I attend a church where the ‘Power of Testimony’ is celebrated and shared in every service and we see God move again and again, doing the same miracles over and over through the ‘Power of Testimony’ – Amazing!

11 And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, … Rev 12:11a AMP

I have a friend who has had a very colourful life and God has been impressing on her to share her story through a book, but it is a very daunting task when you’re not very eloquent or in that area of media, I know as I struggled when trying to write my own two books and get them up as kindle reads during covid.

https://www.kimcreations.com.au/publications

My friend not only needed help to process putting her thoughts down on paper but needing strategies on how do you make it happen? Where to go to start making it happen.  If God is truly desiring for you to share your testimony, then He will open the right doors. Here is her story…

The Shayne Effect

31 What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? – Rom 8:31 TLB

There may be many factors in our circumstance that come around us to suffocate, choke, smother a truth that needs to be spoken out.  But if we are in sink with our Heavenly Father about the process, He will make the path straight in His time for us to have the right thing to say.

God is our righteousness, and the bible says in Matthew 5:6 NIV – blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled’

Our hunger for God could be determined by the way we see spiritual things. As you get ready for work, school, or whatever it is you are planning to do, will you make time for the Word of God? Do you hunger for what God has to say to you as you start your day? How about prayer? Is that something you make time for as well?

Happy people are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They want to be right with God. They want to walk with God. They long for these things. That is where happiness will come from—not from the things of this world. – https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-righteousness.html

Praying today that whatever you have a heart to say, or share will be ‘filtered’ through the righteousness of Jesus Christ and the blood he shared for us all on Calvary.

AMEN