#WCW = We CAN Wednesday: Be Your Own Advocate
/This week I had an experience that reminded me of the phrase "a closed mouth won't get fed." This cliche is repeated often, but sometimes we neglect to really heed to it's message. What happens when we don't advocate for ourselves? What are we saying when we hide our gifts? Let's take this opportunity to dissect the meaning....
"A closed mouth..."
We were all born with certain gifts and abilities. God has placed greatness within all of us. It is our job to cultivate these gifts in order to benefit the world. When we keep our gifts hidden, we are selfishly keeping God's gifts away from those we may be able to benefit. A closed mouth means that we make the conscious decision to hide the God-given greatness in ourselves. When we keep our abilities under wraps, we are telling God, "I know you think I can do this, but I know better than you that I can't. So I won't." Now, would you say something like that to God's face? I wouldn't. But when we back away from our gifts, that is exactly what we are saying.
"...won't get fed."
In the very literal sense, yes, if you don't open your mouth you cannot eat food. Without food, one cannot live. Simple. When digging deeper, we can interpret this another way. When we make the decision to hide our gifts, we preclude ourselves from the life that we were truly meant to live. We cannot operate in all of God's promises for our lives when we shy away from doing our part. By not speaking up about our talents, hiding our interests, taking the easy route, or by being straight up lazy, we sabotage ourselves and condemn our lives to frustration and mediocrity.
“You are the light of the world. A town built upon a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
God thinks so highly of you that He made you in His image. You are a beautiful, bright light that is intended to shine. Don't cover your light because you are scared. Don't dim your light because you are intimidated of success. Don't ignore your light because you are lazy. This is the time to walk in your God-given ability. Right now!
Stand up, stand out, speak up! God wouldn't give it to you if you couldn't handle it. Remember, a closed mouth won't get fed.