Stand Up

The Best of Jamie's Column: Stand up!

" Sometimes you have to stand up and fight for what you believe in. And sometimes it takes even more
courage to stay put, hold your ground, and refuse to be bullied. It doesn't necessarily change the bully,
but it sure can change you."

I've always been the type person who wanted to rescue the underdogs in life, you know the ones who
are quiet and meek and never stand up for themselves, when they are being bullied or attacked. I guess
somewhere inside me I always wished someone had been there for me when I was younger, and shy,
and was that "don't let your light shine," kid. I often think back on who that boy was, and feel great love,
compassion, and sadness for him and how lonely he felt. I used to be so quiet that people would forget I
was in a room. For those of you who know me today, can you even imagine that? I would do everything
in my power to stay in the background and not stand out, for fear I would make a mistake or have
someone ridicule me. God, that seems so long ago! I buried that kid in my memories as the years
passed, but think of him from time to time when I see reflections of his sad eyes in the faces of others
who allow themselves to be mistreated and disrespected.

Some people just don't seem to have it in them to say, "No!" Or to realize that something is just simply
not acceptable! I still find it difficult to say no to people. Difficult, yes! Unable to speak it? Absolutely Not!
I can move through my discomfort of sharing my feelings with just about anyone. Why? Because I
deserve the right to express my thoughts and feelings in life. I have every right to honor who I am by
speaking my mind without having to be fearful of doing so. Wisely speaking your heart and your truth
doesn't have to be mean or vicious. It took me many years to be okay with walking into a room full of
people with my head held high, to speak up and say I have an opinion or a concern, to stand before a
crowd to speak and sing. It is liberating and remarkably healing to move through the illusional veil of
fear and insecurity, into the light of self-confidence and the beauty of expressing one's individuality.

So many believe that being spiritual means being timid and retreatful when we are faced with situations
that require us to be confrontational or outspoken. Being spiritual is not about being a doormat for our
loved ones or even the world. It is about moving into your place of true power and inner strength. When
we enter the world of spirituality we find inner peace, we find a newfound love and respect for who we
are, as we are here and now. When we can fully understand that truth for ourselves and release the
beliefs of unworthiness and self-dislike, we become new people, new personalities, and even more
confidant in our endeavors. I like who I am becoming! I like that I am not as quiet and withdrawn as I
once was, but I have to admit that I often miss that little boy who used to fade into the shadows to
protect himself and shield his heart from being hurt. He served a purpose during those formidable years
and it must have served me well. There are many facets to what makes up the whole of who I am today,
just like each of you. I have my triumphs of being strong, confident, and, at times, even powerful in my
life, but there is also the side of me that must have its time to be quiet and reflective, my down time.
There must always be a balance in life to complete our wholeness.

I will probably always stand on the sidelines cheering the underdogs that cross my path, the shy people
who seem to have no voice, and people who stumble with no one to reach down and lend them a hand
until they find their footing. It's a part of who I am and it's a part that I'm honored to possess. Find your
voice. Find your courage. Stand up for those who have yet to find their strength. When we are willing to
stand tall for others, there will always be those be willing to stand in the gap for us. It may not change
the challenges, or the bullies in our way, but it will always change us for the better. Until next month, be
good to yourself, be good to others and keep spreading "The Light."

Jamie Sanders is an ordained New Thought Minister, professional speaker, workshop facilitator and
television personality. He has been the producer and host of his own weekly television program,
"Positive Living," and is a certified Pastoral Counselor. Jamie is currently serving as Minister/Spiritual
leader for Unity Church of Christianity in Pensacola, Florida. Visit his official web site at
www.jamiesanders.com and join his online mailing list. You can email Jamie at Jamie1118@aol.com