Pray first...take action

I have most often found it easy to speak on behalf on someone or something. I have had no problem bringing forward injustice and seeking ways to resolve issues and working with others for a common purpose.
I have always had difficulty speaking for myself. Whether it was in a work enviroment or a home enviroment, I often just let situations pass while feeling bad for myself and allowing myself to be a victim. So I have been learning to honor myself and honor creation in doing so.
I had a situation today, where I had been excluded from an event which was planned by the team I am a member of. I had to decide whether to let it go or raise the question. I chose to raise the question of exclusion. Actually, I found out that not only was I excluded, I was not even invited to attend. So I thought about about, then I prayed about it. It came to me that I could not expect others to speak for themselves in situations, if I could not speak for myself. It was also somewhat hollow to speak about causes and injustices - if I could not use my own voice to speak up and stand up for myself. So I did again, I respectfully discussed the situation and brought attention to the implications of the exclusion. I know that further discussions will come as a result, and it is my hope that change will also come as a result of using my voice for myself. It was only through the power of prayer, listening for the answer and taking action that I was able again to add another piece to me as I journey to wholeness. So I give thanks for this action and I give thanks to my friends who supported me in this action. It has indeed been a powerful day and a powerful teaching.