It’s that time of year again. No it’s not Christmas, nor is it my birthday. It’s a special day for millions worldwide who go through the same similar struggles I do. It is International Stuttering Awareness Day!
This year I am encouraging all of you who do stutter to try the methods that make you comfortable. For years, I have heard several different methods on how to improve speech, such as rapping; reciting poetry; reading aloud; practicing on the phone; talking slow; talking in your natural voice; elongating words; thinking before speaking; talking in front of the mirror; singing; etc. All of these methods are excellent suggestions. But I believe it should be up to you, the person who stutters, to decide what works best for you. In this regard, don’t concentrate on what others want, especially when they have no idea what you are going through. It’s your life.
Not all of us who stutter are the same. That’s people in general. What works for one person may not work for the next. For example, I don’t feel comfortable singing everything I want to say like another person who stutters might do.
This is for everyone who keeps throwing that suggestion my way, I will not do it. I appreciate you thinking I have a nice voice. I love to sing, but putting my words to music would quickly become a chore for me rather than a pleasure if I had to do it 24/7. And some of you don’t seem to want to listen the first time I explain why I don’t just sing. That bothers me. I am aware that there are those who sing their words. But I am determined to speak like everyone else, even if I have to just take my time. Just like I am patient with you whenever you speak, all I ask is for you to be patient with me.
I have my own methods for dealing with my stutter. As I mentioned in a previous post, I recently discovered a new technique that I think works quite well. My new method ties in with the scripture Philippians 4:13, which reads,
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”.
I say aloud, “Is it through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I am able to speak”. I’m comfortable with this method because it is me putting my trust in Christ, rather than trusting in my own strength. After I recite this a couple times over I start to truly believe these words. I feel much calmer when I open my mouth to say something, and words come out with little to no issue. That can only be God. My stutter has not disappeared, but I have faith that by trusting in Christ that I can pull through it.
What methods work for you?
I also want to thank God for placing a woman in my life who completely accepts me and what I go through. People, get yourself a person like this. I thank Courtni for always lending me her attention if I need to talk about my stutter; not forcing me to speak when I’m not comfortable doing it; and always encouraging me and believing in me when I need the boost. She’s a blessing.
Once again, do what makes you comfortable, and speak on, because what you say matters. God Bless and Happy International Stuttering Awareness Day!
Other Posts Relating to Stuttering Awareness Day and Week:
Prayer, Patience, Perseverance
DavidSpeaks 
One reply on “International Stuttering Awareness Day October 22, 2018”
God is going to heal your stuttering in the mighty name of Jesus! Blessings to you my brother and we CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens us ❤
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