In my neck of the woods, niceness is a valued character trait among women. Being agreeable, easy to work with and flexible are esteemed. However, being nice can lead to not standing up for ourselves or others.
Saying goodbye to “nice” has grown my self-confidence and willingness to speak up—even when it might be easier to stay quiet. When speaking up, I do still try to be kind.
In fact, you show yourself kindness when you value yourself enough not to let someone walk all over you. And you show kindness to others when you refuse to let someone talk to them in a demeaning or shameful way. If we hold to the idea of being nice, we might not to say anything at all.
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Kari van Wakeren. Please pray for the new Women of the ELCA executive board as they meet through Saturday evening.
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