Are you dignified, or are you Holy? Why Grassroots Communication Matters.

Over the past few weeks, I have seen other abuse survivors spread awareness through social media, which has brought criticism about the manner in which they are spreading that awareness. To be honest, I think there may have been a time when I would have had similar critiques. “Why are they using social media?” “Isn’t there a more appropriate way to handle this?” Or maybe something like “Not everything needs to be put on the internet.”

If I am being even more honest, I would have thought that was a holy response. Somehow, I was taught that silence was proof of my obedience to God. That keeping your head down was holy and speaking out was undignified and unseemly. After all, holy people sit there quietly with a smile on their face, right? 

How did being dignified get confused with being holy? 

2 Samuel 6: 20- 22: “When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”

David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes!”

David embarrassed Michal because he removed himself of his royal garments and pedestal to dance freely before God. In other words, he had no decorum. Is there a cause God has put on your heart that you are willing to lose everything for it? Even the respect of those you admire? Even your own self-dignity? 

In order to stand for something, you must speak for something. 

The entire point of Grassroots communication is that everyday, ordinary people can spread awareness and transparency. Does everyone need to communicate via social media? No. Does everyone who uses social media love using that platform? Also no. The reality is, most ordinary people do not have access to big media platforms or outlets. To suggest that the only way survivors can speak up is if a traditional gatekeeper decides if the story is worth telling is one of the problems with abuse culture. Survivors shouldn't need a documentary on Netflix or an article in the Times to be respected and heard. 

Oftentimes the weight of truth and transparency falls on the survivors to carry. We expect them to keep us informed but not too informed. We expect them to offer grace with no accountability in return. We expect them to carry out the justice deserved to them but get angry when they demand it. There is more pressure on the victim than the offender. 

When a survivor speaks up, they can reclaim their voice, create future change, and help others realize they are not alone. We are not simply exposing sin or spreading awareness; we are sharing our testimony. 

To tell your testimony, as undignified as it may be, is a holy thing to do.