#MotivationalMonday

Finding My Voice

From my earliest memory, my voice was soft and gentle — soothing, quiet. I was raised in a world where children were to be seen, not heard. Even so, I grew to know that my voice carried words with care, savoring each meaning. Whether it was Easter recitals, classroom projects, or scripture readings, my voice evoked passion, courage, and thought in others — even when I was unaware.

But let me ask you this:

What have you silenced in yourself that God is calling you to release?

What dream have you buried that needs to live again?

Have you ever had someone’s words silence you?

Have you ever hidden your gift because of a moment of rejection or self doubt?

That was me in fourth grade.

I auditioned for the Glee Club… hopeful. The teacher’s unfiltered critique — “Louder…you can’t sing… next!” — hit me harder than I understood at the time. I can still hear it. I went silent. My voice, once offered freely, hid away until 10th grade English.

Have you ever had someone’s words silence you or cause you to question YOU?

Have you ever hidden your gift because of a moment of rejection or self doubt?

That’s when Ms. Fusco changed everything. She assigned us to find or write something to read aloud. I chose a letter published in Essence Magazine entitled Dear Black Man. I felt every word as I read it. Ms. Fusco was so excited she selected me to read the letter at the 12th grade assembly. When she handed me a certificate, signed in her own hand, I realized she had seen me before I even knew I needed to be seen. She heard me!

Who has seen you when you could not see yourself?

Who believed in you when you were ready to give up?

I decided then that I would major in Communications and Psychology. But college was not the triumphant stage I imagined. My placement tests downgraded my writing to C and D level. In my first Communications class, the professor asked me, “Why are you here?” Sitting as one of three Black students in a sea of white faces, I wondered the same thing. He warned, “If you don’t speak up in my class, you will fail.” I withdrew from his class. My voice retreated again. My dream of speaking to the masses faded as I changed my major to Sociology and Criminal Justice.

Have you ever let fear or doubt push you away from your true calling?

Have you ever stepped back when you were meant to step forward?

Years later, I returned to my home church. This time, I was fully present — serving as Church Clerk, reading weekly announcements with the precision of a News Anchor. Sister Etta Bailey, tall, distinguished, and dignified with pearls, guided me. She made sure I enunciated every word and read scripture with reverence. As the call upon my life led me into the pulpit, I discovered my voice again — unapologetic, bold, magical, lyrical, encouraging, and comforting.

In those spaces, people often said, “I love to hear you speak.” I remembered my love for poetry and realized the power of the spoken word. I am one who writes and speaks, who inspires and empowers. I’ve recorded work with the extraordinary collective, Raw Honey Poets, under the visionary leadership of Josh Milan.

I love to write and speak to the soul — to encourage, to heal, to awaken. The call to speak comes anointed for each occasion and season. It is both ancestral and present. Sometimes it flows from pen to paper on command, other times from a deeply rooted place requiring earnest spiritual guidance. My words — whether playful, fierce, lyrical, or sacred — always rise from love. My words have offered sanctuary and affirmation for others, and for me.

So I ask you now:

What part of yourself have you silenced that deserves to be heard?

What dream have you buried that is still alive inside of you, that’s screaming to get out?

What would change if you dared to use your voice — fully, unapologetically, today?

From that quiet place long ago, I now know as Therapist, Preacher, Teacher, Poet: I Have Something To Say… and yes, I’m a good listener too.

I am Debbie McRae and I am here for you.

Today, I challenge you:

 Speak up where you’ve been silent. There is Healing

 Dust off the dream you’ve hidden.

 Share the gift only you can give. Your Words have power

Because your voice matters.

Your story matters.

And the world is waiting to hear you.

Join us in listening to this dynamic, beautiful, and peaceful voice of Debbie McRae, through one of her spoken words.

Then take time to reflect on the questions below.

Questions for reflection and/or journaling.

Have you lost your voice over the years? Reflect on when your voice left, and how you currently move or had to move throughout life voiceless?

How did you get your voice back? Or how will you get your voice back? (First steps are the most important steps).

Do you know someone who could use motivation? Have you encouraged them to join this newsletter?

Please Share!

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