Thursday; September 28

          “I just want to be heard!” 
This sentiment is as prevalent today as it has ever been.  Whether it is a teenager, a protester, a spouse, a Christian missionary, a civil rights advocate or a politician most people just want the opportunity to express their opinion and have their voice heard.  Sure, the eventual goal is a change in some behavior, but in the beginning, the goal is for someone to just listen to us. 
Often, when we discuss this issue, we advocate that those with a message be given a platform (in other words we support the messengers desire to be heard), but there is another part to this … when given the opportunity the message must be ready to be presented.  At the end of a protest, when a child has a parent’s attention or when a Christian has an audience we must be ready to speak our peace in an informative, enlightening and inspiring way.  In other words, before demanding to be heard, we have to have something to say.  Before seeking the spotlight, we need to have two things delineated:
1).  A message that is well-thought out and easily understood.  To be taken seriously, we have to have planned out our message.  Stumbling over our words or presenting a cloudy ideology doesn’t do much good.  Emotion might open the door, but clarity of thought is what brings about change.
2).  A message that is presented in a way that demonstrates respect to the hearer.  If I give you my ear and you bite it off, I doubt that either of us will walk away satisfied.  A child being disrespectful to a parent, a Christian berating the beliefs of a neighbor or a protester who shouts a derogatory and vulgar tirade at city hall is in danger of losing their standing and their voice.  The issue isn’t whether the hearer is worthy of respect because unless we are able to hold their attention long enough to present our message, the exchange is moot.
          It is admirable to want to make a difference, but let’s remember the value of preparation and respect.  Let’s be ready when we get the chance.
          Think about it!

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