The Advocate: Encouragement for Those Who Speak Out for Others or Themselves

Advocates come in various forms and speak in many forums. Attorneys advocate to judges, juries, and government officials for a decision in favor of their clients or causes. Individual citizens advocate before town councils and other government tribunals. Parents advocate to school officials on behalf of their children. The sick and their representatives advocate to hospitals and insurance companies for better medical treatment. The falsely accused and wrongfully imprisoned write petitions for themselves or others, seeking a second chance at justice and freedom. Friends and families must sometimes advocate to one another to change or improve the conditions of their relationships.Jesus advocated to us during his ministry and now advocates to God on our behalf.A common feature of all advocates is that the outcome of their efforts is not always certain, even if they believe their position is morally or legally correct. Someone else will be making the decision. But what is certain is that for every advocate there is always help and encouragement available, before, during, and after the moment one stands up to speak.Such help can be found in The Advocate:Encouragement for those who speak out for others or themselves, by Paul B. Taylor, an attorney and former judge.