I’ve noticed something in all the years I’ve been part of social media. The loudest critics of what I share are typically those who only respond negatively to what others communicate. They don’t create original content. They are the critics of those who do.

None of us like to be unjustly criticized. While wise advice is something we should all welcome, we don’t need to pay attention to the critics whose mission it is to silence our voice, not clarify our message. At first, it’s easy to capitulate to their criticism and no longer speak. Our silence becomes their victory.

Whenever someone writes or speaks, whether the topic is religious, cultural, or political, at the beginning of that communication, not all we share is complete. It can be a progressive revelation—a work in progress exploring a deeper truth. 

The communicators of that developing truth have made themselves vulnerable to a wider audience. The people you can trust in that process are those who do not want to criticize and silence our voices. They simply want to help us seek more clarity.

If the Lord has spoken to you and you share what you have seen or heard, don’t let another person’s undisciplined criticism silence your voice. What you share may be just what the Church needs to hear at this time. Taking that first step to communicate your thoughts will require courage boldness, and thick emotional skin. 

Your communication will act like a fishing lure, drawing in sharkish people who don’t know you or your heart. They will criticize you before examining what you are trying to communicate. If we are willing to work with God and allow Him to mature our thinking and our method of communication, we will become a trusted voice to the Lord and to those who consume our content.