Stand Up

Posted on June 12, 2012 by

what do you get 
when you stand up 
for yourself? 
results,
reactions 

or regrets?

what do you get 

when you sit up 
and speak your mind? 
relief, 
resolution 

or regrets?

what do you get 

when you shout out 
and say your truth? 
reassurance, 
retreat 

or regrets?  

me? 


I get a little of this 
and sometimes 
a whole lot of nothing 
but 
never 
many 

regrets

when I stand up 

sit up 
or 
shout out 
I get it-do you? 

stand, 
sit,
shout 
or 
shut up 
and stay 
the same 
as  
you’ve always been

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 16

  • My Inner Chick

    June 13, 2012

    Ooo, Mama W.
    after Kay’s murder…I STAND UP. I will never sit down. I shall NEVER be silent. Of course, I’m talking about domestic violence, verbal, emotional…

    I wish I would have STOOD UP before.

    As always… Great Substance & Depth. Xx

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 17, 2012

      Excellent. Your words speak so clearly of your love for your sister and your passion for justice. I believe we must use our voices to speak out, or we are merely silent supporters.

      Reply
  • brenda

    June 13, 2012

    Loved the presentation and the word play here.. the words and sentiment carry weight, but what worked for me is how you set it up.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 17, 2012

      Thank you, Brenda. I appreciate the feedback from someone who I admire!

      Reply
  • Shannon Milholland

    June 13, 2012

    “Stay the same as you’ve always been.” This is a really great thought. There is definitely wisdom in knowing when to speak and when to keep silent but harnessing the boldness to speak when prompted by God catapults as forward in our relationship with Him. Thanks for this!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 17, 2012

      Thanks, Shannon. I believe silence is important at times, but I fear that too many people stay silent out of fear. Justice cannot happen unless the truth is told.

      Reply
  • Pamela

    June 13, 2012

    For me I have a big mouth, but when I need to use it I am quiet!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 13, 2012

      Pamela, I do think it’s important to know when to speak, and when to whisper.

      Reply
  • Keesha

    June 13, 2012

    We are all on a similar thread – the idea of speaking up for yourself (or others). Is it better to let it go, or to let your feelings be heard? Which shows more depth, which makes you a bigger person? In my older age I am speaking up when others upset me, and certainly if my family or home feels attacked. Hopefully I’ll soon find the balance.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 13, 2012

      Keesha, I agree that with age I am able to speak up more-not sure if it is the life experience giving me the confidence, or the knowledge that I will regret not speaking up in light of injustice.

      Reply
  • Kenya G. Johnson

    June 12, 2012

    For the most part I am quiet and regret not saying something. But often times I should have said anything anyway. So I guess sometimes my silence is effective.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 13, 2012

      Kenya, I do think sometimes silence is effective, and definitely when someone speaks without thinking, silence is better. But to sit back and be silent in the face of wrongdoing makes me feel guilty.

      Reply
  • Karen Dawkins

    June 12, 2012

    Thought provoking.
    Sometimes, does silence do more than a shout?

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      June 13, 2012

      Sometimes it does. But when I feel an injustice happening, I don’t want to be a silent bystander. To me, that is condoning the activity.

      Reply
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