Let Me Not Be Silent

 

We are talking about aspirations in Toastmasters tonight and I am bringing the inspirational thought.

I have an aspiration for my life as a whole and for each day in particular. It is to be useful in a broader way than just the small circle that defines my self-interests. The longer I live, the more I think about legacy. That includes my words and my voice, which is one reason Toastmasters is so significant to this aspiration which I think many share.

William Wilberforce served in the British Parliament from 1780 to 1825. In 1783 he began to be made aware of the horrors of the slave trade. In 1784, he had a life-changing spiritual awakening. Soon he was taking every opportunity to make a nuisance of himself on the floors of Parliament until he wore down the opposition.

It was not until 1807 that the House of Commons and the House of Lords passed the bill that abolished this great evil and scourge in the Empire.

Wilberforce had been making speeches for over 20 years.

He said:

"Let it not be said that I was silent when they needed me." 

Let that not be said of us. Neither let us say that words do not have power and that what we are learning to do here has no significance.

Speech and speeches can change history, They can change the world.

God, open our mouths that we may speak truth to our generation.

Amen.