The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. // Luke 4:18-19
“Because your voice is so valuable,” I gently encouraged my foster son as we sat at the dining room table late one spring evening. He had initially given a firm no to the opportunity to speak on a panel for youth in the foster care system, but I felt a tug on my heart to nudge him to reconsider.
Isn’t it striking how often we disregard the opportunities put before us, thinking something similar?
My story isn’t that important.
I really don’t have the time to do this well.
I sincerely doubt I’d add anything to the conversation.
Part of my job as a foster mom is to speak for kids in the foster care system. Another part of my job, I’m learning, is to give them the support, love, and encouragement they need to speak for themselves. Because as children of God, we all have something of value to say.
Today’s readings are full of themes of proclamation and of truth (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 and Luke 4:16-22). Saint Paul writes of speaking not with “persuasive words or of wisdom” but rather “with a demonstration of spirit and power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). And Jesus preached boldly in the synagogue to people whose hearts couldn’t quite come to grips with the truth that He was the fulfillment prophesied in the Scriptures. Nonetheless, both shared boldly with those aching for the truth.
You have a unique and unrepeatable voice to offer today. It isn’t replaceable by that girl in your Bible study who you are convinced is holier than you or by that Catholic at work who goes to daily Mass more often. The Spirit of the Lord is upon you, my friend. Your voice is valuable. Ask the Lord where you can offer your voice in truth today.
Karen Schultz hails from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where she is often found in or near one of them. As a doula, lactation educator, and FertilityCare Practitioner, she finds joy in helping women to embrace the gift of their bodies. Downtime is found in quiet adoration chapels, farmers markets and gardens, and listening to bluegrass music. She is the author of Blessed Conversations: Misericordia.
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