When we think about the inappropriate use of words, we generally focus on sins of commission: saying something that we later regret. We therefore emphasize bridling our tongues—disciplining ourselves not to say (or email or text) something which could be harmful.
But the opposite can also be true. We may hold ourselves back from saying something that really needs to be said. Sharing our testimony of the gospel with our loved ones or expressing love for them are two examples that come to mind. What stops us from speaking up when our words could do so much good?
My manager at work was recently asked to give some advice to young professionals at the company I work for. Her response: Speak up more. Don’t assume that everyone else in the room has something important to contribute except you. Don’t assume that your observations and thoughts are unimportant.
In fast and testimony meetings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are no assigned speakers. Everyone in attendance is welcome to come forward and briefly share gospel truths that are meaningful to them. When I participate in those meetings, I often gather my thoughts first and plan what I will say, but some of my most meaningful experiences have come when I was not entirely sure what I would say before standing up. Speaking in public can be a revelatory experience, as I share thoughts which enter my mind in real time. The Savior’s promise, “Open your mouths and they shall be filled” (Doctrine and Covenants 33:10), has been fulfilled in my life.
During the Savior’s ministry in the Americas, He performed many miracles, including healing the sick and even raising a man from the dead. (See 3 Nephi 26:15.) Mormon described one of the most remarkable miracles in this way:
He did teach and minister unto the children of the multitude of whom hath been spoken, and he did loose their tongues, and they did speak unto their fathers great and marvelous things, even greater than he had revealed unto the people; and he loosed their tongues that they could utter. …
And they both saw and heard these children; yea, even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things; and the things which they did utter were forbidden that there should not any man write them.
3 Nephi 26:14, 16
I see a simple message in this passage: Jesus can loose our tongues. If there are things that are hard for us to say, He can help us overcome our inhibitions and rationalizations and simply say them. If we know we need to say something but are not sure what to say, He can help us find the right message. Speaking up can be a manifestation of our faith in Him.
Today, I will pray for my tongue to be loosed. If I am tempted to shy away from participating fully in a conversation or if I am nervous about sharing my sincere feelings, I will exercise faith in the Lord by opening my mouth, trusting that He will help me find and share uplifting and helpful messages.
Typically when I come to your blog, I assumed that everyone else that comes here has something important to comment except me.
It’s kind of human nature, isn’t it? I think we all feel that way sometimes. It’s helpful to remember that, with the Savior’s help, we can all speak inspiring and uplifting words. Thanks for the comment!