Speak Up

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to stand up in the church when the officiant speaks those fate-tempting words,

“If anyone knows . . . speak now . . . “

Speak now.  It is your duty.

Today, in a much less emotional setting, for sure, I found myself feeling a little like that dissenting wedding guest when I, as a non-profit art group board member, voted against a motion that was widely assumed to have unanimous approval.

I had to raise my hand in front of the rest of the board – no safe secret ballot – and vote “no.”

It was obvious that there were plenty of yea votes to pass the motion, so why’d I bother?  Why did I rattle the cages of my fellow board members when I knew the outcome would not be affected?  I did it because it is my duty to work on behalf of the membership and the best interest of the organization.

I was not able to stop this motion, but I did raise an eyebrow or two – and perhaps some courage in others for similar situations down the line.  Asked, I spoke. It was uncomfortable, but far less that had I “gone along to get along” or simply abstained.

When you are asked about something that is important to you – or to the people who’ve put their trust in you to speak on their behalf – know why you feel the way you do and speak.