October 1, 2026
In 2001, Sherron Watkins, a vice president at Enron, discovered financial wrongdoing in her company and wondered what to do. Other employees saw the warning signs and felt something was wrong, but they remained silent. Watkins, however, wrote a memo to the CEO exposing the fraud, knowing full well that doing so could cost her career, her reputation, and her safety.
Her stance unveiled one of the largest corporate scandals in history and changed how companies would operate in the future.
Her voice proved that one person’s decision to speak up can change an entire system.
Sherron Watkins’ story reminds us of a powerful truth: silence is not safety, it is surrender.
Silence is often mistaken for peace. We sometimes praise silence as maturity or wisdom.
We quote the Bible verse “be slow to speak…” — but forget the Bible verse saying, “speak up and judge fairly.” Yes, we should be quiet at times and listen to others, but sometimes our silence is not serenity, it is surrender.
There are times when staying quiet does not calm the storm but feeds it. Sometimes our silence isn’t the solution — but is the problem.
We are afraid of speaking up because we want to avoid conflict and to pretend that discomfort does not exist. We worry about offending others, being misunderstood, or creating tension at home or the workplace. But by swallowing the truth, we can reinforce the very things that hurt us. Silence becomes the breeding ground where problems grow roots.
When we don’t speak up about what is wrong, we unintentionally endorse it. Whether it’s a workplace injustice, a hurtful comment from a family member, or a personal boundary crossed by a friend, silence signals acceptance and approval. When we stay silent about what is wrong, we accidentally give it permission to stay.
Speaking up is courage.
Speaking up is choosing truth over comfort and integrity over approval.
Speaking up is saying, “God, use my voice,” even when your knees are shaking.
Almost every great change in history began with one trembling voice whispering, “This isn’t right.”
God often opens our eyes to problems because He wants us to be part of the solution. If you feel something is wrong, you’re probably not the only one. You may be the one God chose to notice and do something.
When you speak up:
One brave voice can shift the atmosphere.
One honest sentence can heal a relationship.
One moment of courage can start a revolution.
So, speak up.
Speak with clarity.
Speak with truth.
Speak with boldness born from faith.
And remember, when God puts conviction in your heart, He also puts strength in your voice.
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Dan Summerlin is a former Kentucky Baptist Convention president and retired pastor of Lone Oak First Baptist Church. This commentary appeared in Kentucky Today.
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