Why "Whispering Loud: From Root to Rise"

THE REASON FOR IT ALL - Whispering Loud: From Root to Rise

We live in a world that screams. A world where influence is measured in how much attention we demand; many times by visual or audible noise—in the viral tweet, the explosive announcement, the constant churn of content that demands our attention. We are told that to matter, we must be heard, and to be heard, we must be loud.

But what if the most profound power lies in the quiet? huh!

Yes! This is the philosophy at the heart of our blog, and it’s the reason we named it Whispering Loud: From Root to Rise. This title is not just a catchy phrase; it's a compass for a different kind of life. A life of deliberate action, quiet strength, and authentic transformation.

The Paradox of Whispering Loud

To "whisper loud" is to cultivate a strength so undeniable it doesn't need to shout. It's the power of a quiet commitment to your values, a resolute focus on your truth, and the ability to be heard in your silence. It is the confident choice to do things for purpose and not for others' approval or applause. Think of it like a silent, steady hand on a rudder. It doesn’t need a motor or a fanfare to steer the ship. Its power is in its deliberate, unwavering direction.

This is the antithesis of the frantic, attention-seeking energy that consumes so much of modern social media life. It's the quiet decision to focus on what matters, to build something of lasting value without needing constant external validation. It’s the whisper that carries more weight than any scream because it comes from a place of deep conviction.

The Journey From Root to Rise

This journey moves from the inside out, and it’s inextricably tied to self-awareness and personal growth. The "Root" is where the real work happens—in the darkness, in the soil of your own being. It's the unseen labor of self-reflection and building a foundation of integrity and self-respect. The root is your inner world: your values, your boundaries, your understanding of who you are. This quiet work is the foundation for being a better you.

The "Rise" is the inevitable result of this inner work. It is the visible manifestation of a strong root system. It's the blossoming of your life, your career, your relationships, and your purpose. This rise is not something you force or chase; it's what happens naturally when the foundation is sound. It’s not about being a showy flower but about being a resilient tree that weathers every storm because its roots run deep.

The Maya Angelou Connection

This entire philosophy finds its most beautiful and powerful support through expression in the wisdom of Maya Angelou. In her video, she offers an insight that perfectly aligns with our blog's core message. She teaches that silence is not a void but a powerful, deliberate stillness born of wisdom. It’s a tool for reclaiming your energy and finding clarity. Instead of wasting time on battles not worth fighting or explaining yourself to everyone, she advises focusing on your own growth. This is the "Whispering Loud." It is the choice to refine your energy and let your silence speak volumes, which is foundational to building a powerful and authentic presence in the community.

Angelou goes on to describe how real growth, healing, and transformation are quiet processes that happen in the shadows, not in the spotlight. She compares it to a seed sprouting beneath the soil, which doesn't shout but simply becomes. This is the "Root." It's the essential, quiet work that builds the strength to sustain you.

The "Rise," in Angelou’s words, is the life that changes as a result of this inner focus. It’s the blossoming of a life of depth over display, where your worth is not dependent on others' opinions but comes from being authentic and real. It’s the profound shift that happens when you stop seeking validation and start living from your core.

A Foundation for a Better Future

My personal story is one of unconscionable surprise—blatant injustices at a theological institution of higher learning that speaks of christ-centered community and practices the highest level of discrimination that I’ve witnessed in my entire career. After realizing that I was employed by a seminary that was built on the history of white supremacy, practices of selective inclusion, and an organized gatekeeper paradigm, whose sole purpose was to dismantle any forward progress that an antiracism movement had barely moved the needle on, I was still committed to carry out changing it’s reputation, but the intentional roadblocks were much too numerous. A space that spoke of belonging, barely supported the uplift of “certain” cultural celebrations. The checking off a box continued while toxic practices to immobilize black excellence and pride, dimmed the light of hope. An infrastructure of resources that were not human. It was a system to serve the purpose of maintaining the corners of inequity that the institution was deeply rooted in. From selective exclusion to sprinkles of injustice—sabotage, inequality of benefit distributions, manufactured narratives designed to discredit my contributions, this environment negatively impacted my health over time and drove me to a space of refuge.

It was at this time that the quiet work ensued and the healing began. I was able to cling to the true meaning of Whispering Loud. As I embraced vulnerability, and walked with authenticity, it happened; the root, growth, transformation. My quiet retreat gave me time to unpack the destruction and rebuild from Root to Rise while Whispering Loud. My hope is that this story helps someone else find their way, set boundaries, be unapologetically themselves, know their value and move with purpose in spaces that support authenticity, transparency and the work of elevating communities and dismantling injustices.

At its heart, Whispering Loud: From Root to Rise is a call to action—a call to turn down the volume of the world and tune into the powerful whisper of your own purpose. This is... The Quiet Work that Creates the Foundation for a Better You and A Better Future.

This transformation breathes new meaning into 365 We Thrive. It’s why having this blog is so important: it’s a platform for personal growth, a source for insightful tips and health updates, and a beacon of hope and community vitality.

365 Together We Thrive!