Never Stop Advocating for Yourself
September 22, 2025
Your Voice Matters
For most of my life, I struggled to use my voice. I feared upsetting others more than the consequences of staying silent. At times, I became a doormat. Other times, I buried my head in the sand because avoidance felt easier.
But silence often costs more than speaking up.
As women, this struggle can feel even heavier. We’re often conditioned to be “nice,” to not rock the boat, to make peace instead of pressing for what we need. Standing up for ourselves can feel unnatural, even selfish.
Yet the truth is this: advocating for ourselves isn’t just a personal victory. It protects our mental health, our time, and our finances.
Advocacy in Everyday Life
Recently, I had two situations where I had no choice but to advocate for myself.
The first was when my alternator failed—not once, but twice in less than a year.
The first repair felt effortless. My dealership gave me a loaner car right away, and although the fix took a month, my warranty covered everything. I hardly had to think about it.
But six months later, when the alternator failed again, the experience was drastically different. The dealership told me I had to pay for a rental car out of pocket—at $55 per day—and they would only cover five days.
On top of that, the alternator was on backorder, with more than 14,500 failures nationwide. As a single mom, I panicked. I couldn’t afford weeks of rental costs.
So I picked up the phone and called—and called again. I spoke with corporate, the dealership, the rental company, and the warranty provider until someone finally listened. Eventually, the dealership agreed to give me a loaner. That persistence saved me nearly $4,000.
The second situation happened when I tried to enroll in a student discount for my internet bill. Instead of saving money, my bill doubled.
I called, asked questions, and was assured it would balance out with credits. It didn’t. Month after month, I pressed for answers, only to be met with more confusion.
Finally, I spoke with a kind representative who admitted my documents were on file but my account had never been updated. That company broke my trust. I chose to cancel, saving myself both time and money.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters for Mental Health
Speaking up doesn’t always come naturally, but the benefits are undeniable.
Reduces anxiety and stress: Bottled-up frustration builds tension. Speaking up releases it.
Builds self-esteem: Each time you advocate, you prove to yourself your needs matter.
Strengthens relationships: Boundaries create healthier dynamics built on respect.
Encourages resilience: Persistence develops problem-solving skills and confidence.
Protects resources: Advocacy saves both time and money—two things women, especially mothers, cannot afford to waste.
Models courage for children: When we use our voices, our kids learn they can too.
Tips for Advocating for Yourself
Prepare what you want to say — jot notes or practice before making the call.
Stay calm but firm — respectful persistence is more effective than anger.
Ask questions — phrases like “Can you explain why…?” open doors.
Don’t stop at the first “no” — resolution often comes after the third or fourth call.
Know your worth — your time, energy, and resources are valuable.
Seek help when needed — bring in a supervisor, manager, or even a trusted friend.
A Biblical Case for Speaking Up
God does not call us to shrink back in fear—He calls us to courage.
2 Timothy 1:7 — “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Proverbs 31:8–9 — “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” If God calls us to advocate for others, He also values when we steward our own voice.
Luke 18:1–8 — the parable of the persistent widow shows the power of not giving up until justice is done. Jesus praises her persistence as an act of faith.
Advocating for ourselves is not about pride—it’s about recognizing that God has given us worth and dignity, and we are called to walk in truth and courage.
Bringing It Home
If I had stayed quiet, my car repair would have left me with thousands of dollars in debt. If I hadn’t questioned my internet bill, I’d still be overpaying.
Speaking up didn’t just save money—it protected my peace and preserved my time for what truly matters: my family, my studies, and my well-being.
As women, we may feel pressure to stay small, to keep quiet, to avoid being labeled as “difficult.” But advocating for ourselves is not selfish. It is stewardship. It is survival. And it is strength.
Final Encouragement
Your voice matters. Don’t let fear, busyness, or doubt rob you of it. Advocacy is stewardship—of your finances, your time, your emotional well-being, and the example you set for those around you.
This week, ask yourself: Where do I need to use my voice? Don’t shrink back—you were created to live boldly, with wisdom and courage.
Disclaimer: This post shares my personal experiences and reflections through the lens of faith. It is not professional counseling advice. If you’re struggling with self-advocacy in relationships or mental health, I encourage you to seek support from a licensed counselor or trusted mentor.
With grace and light,
Jess
