Freedom of Speech

Having just celebrated the 4th of July this week I am thinking about Freedom and what it really means to me.

There are many kinds of freedom that are brought about by our circumstances. The country we live in, for instance!

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One of the elements of freedom that I am most grateful for today is the freedom to speak about whatever is true for me.

I find this freedom flows into many areas of my life. Knowing I am free to speak gives me both permission and a very healthy responsibility to speak lovingly and intentionally - and often.

There are times of course when it is best to keep my thoughts to myself! Silence has its place in the system of communication.

Speaking up about what is important to us, as individuals, is is one of the best ways I know to connect and to create our lives together.

My dad once wrote a song that had a chorus line I will always remember.

Silence is not a virtue
Silence may even hurt you
Silence is never Golden
When you keep yourself withhold-en

One of the joys I receive from writing this message each week is to hear from some of the readers. To hear what they have to say is always enlightening and appreciated.

Sometimes you speak about something that might make my message better.

Sometimes you speak words of praise.

Sometimes you speak about what the message meant to you and how you used it in your own life.

It is that third category that I am speaking of in this message today.

Here are a few of the inspiring stories, comments and questions that have come my way lately.

In Reference to my Easter Message It's A Miracle where I included a recording of an experience I had as a teenager. One reader wrote:

"I feel having heard your story might make the difference between a good or poor choice that any young woman who heard you might make. As a result of listening to it, my sister and I began sharing our own stories of poor choices we made, and, now, as mothers, we are shocked by how many times we each made similar, very risky choices when we were in our teens, and even twenties. One way that we can help prevent violence from happening to young women is by being willing to share more of our experiences with them so that they can learn from them - as you have so courageously done."

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After Reading my message on You Want That - WHY?

"I really like this and you have illuminated that I really don't think about the why on ALL wants. Sometimes the want is for instant gratification or attention-seeking that only results in short-term good feelings. In terms of material things, I am conscious about pondering the why but in terms of the workplace, family and personal life, I really don't apply the same analysis, and I should! I will be conscious of that and see what happens and let you know!"