Mr. Speaker, the world desperately needs more people who do not fold under pressure, but who are guided by grace and use their influence not for personal gain, but for justice, those who are willing to stand in the gap for others, to boldly speak the truth, to protect the vulnerable, to fight against injustice and to take risks to do what is right.
I believe these are the kinds of people we are all called on to be, people who are willing to step up and speak out even when it is uncomfortable or perhaps even risky. Too often we shrink back from those moments. We choose silence. We fear conflict. We act impulsively or we accuse.
There is a better way. We can choose our moments carefully, deliver our words with wisdom and clarity, act with courage and always be respectful. Courageous people do not wait for safer circumstances; they step forward in faith and trust God with the outcome.
We must remember that our influence matters. Our voices can be used to bring justice, freedom, hope and life, but only if we are willing to use them.