For years, I stayed quiet to keep the peace—afraid that speaking up would make me look difficult or ungrateful. But silence came with a cost. As women, we’re often taught to be agreeable, to avoid conflict, to smile and endure. Yet learning to advocate for ourselves is not only a mental health necessity—it’s an act of stewardship. In this post, I share two personal stories where using my voice saved me both time and money, and how persistence, faith, and a little courage helped me find my footing again. God calls us to live with strength and self-control, not fear. Advocacy is where bold faith meets everyday life.