Favor Fridays with Tony: The Favor of Voice – How Black Women Speak Life, Power, and Truth

Welcome to this edition of Favor Fridays with Tony, where we honor the sacred and revolutionary power of the spoken word. Today marks the 11th day of International Black Women’s History Month, and our focus is on “The Favor of Voice”—how Black women use their voices to influence, inspire, instruct, and ignite transformation.

Black women’s voices are not just words spoken—they are instruments of faith, culture, wisdom, and resistance. From biblical foremothers to contemporary icons, from mothers and ministers to poets and professors, Black women have been gifted by God with voices that build bridges and break chains. Their voices heal generations, hold systems accountable, and call forth purpose.

In a world that has long tried to silence, distort, or dismiss those voices, the fact that Black women continue to speak—and speak powerfully—is evidence of divine favor.

The Voice of Purpose in Scripture

1. Deborah – The Voice of Authority (Judges 4-5)

Deborah’s voice carried weight. As a prophetess, judge, and warrior, she spoke as God led, commanding Barak to rise up and fight. She led a nation with both wisdom and battle cries. Her story proves that God places His words in the mouths of those He calls.

2. The Shunammite Woman – The Voice of Faith (2 Kings 4)

When her son died, she declared, “It is well.” She refused to speak defeat, and her voice of faith brought about a miracle. Sometimes favor is found in speaking what God said, not what circumstances show.

3. Esther – The Voice of Intercession (Esther 4)

Esther used her voice to advocate for her people. Though afraid, she spoke anyway. Her “if I perish, I perish” moment was a declaration of bold obedience. Favor gave her access to speak where others couldn’t.

4. Mary – The Voice of Obedience (Luke 1)

Mary’s response to the angel—“Be it unto me according to thy word”—is one of the most powerful affirmations in Scripture. Her yes carried life itself. God favors voices that say yes.

The Voice of Power in Black Women’s History

Black women have used their voices across centuries to demand justice, speak truth, affirm dignity, and tell our stories with boldness and grace.

1. Sojourner Truth – The Voice of Justice

Her famous “Ain’t I A Woman?” speech still rings through time. An ex-slave turned abolitionist, her voice shattered both racial and gendered expectations. She spoke truth with anointing.

2. Fannie Lou Hamer – The Voice of the People

With a voice full of grit and gospel, she spoke up for Black voting rights and economic freedom. Her fearless honesty before the Democratic National Convention changed hearts and history.

3. Maya Angelou – The Voice of Resilience

From I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings to Still I Rise, her poetic voice gave language to pain, joy, and Black womanhood in its fullness.

4. Barbara Jordan – The Voice of Integrity

As a U.S. Congresswoman, her deep, powerful voice during the Watergate hearings reminded the nation what democracy sounds like when spoken with conviction.

5. Dr. Maya Jemison – The Voice of the Future

As the first Black woman in space and a renowned speaker and educator, she continues to inspire new generations with her voice of possibility and power.

Modern-Day Women Still Speaking Truth

Amanda Gorman, whose poem The Hill We Climb moved a nation.
Michelle Obama, who speaks boldly about family, health, and leadership.
Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, who leads in ministry with prophetic clarity.
Yara Shahidi, who uses her platform to speak on youth empowerment and education.
You. Yes, you. Every time you speak up in a meeting, correct a lie with love, or share your story—you are walking in the favor of voice.

The Biblical Power of Words

Proverbs 18:21 (MSG): “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”

The favor of voice is the favor of impact. It reminds us that our mouths carry power to plant or uproot, to harm or to heal.

Isaiah 50:4 (NIV): “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”

What Does It Mean to Walk in the Favor of Voice?

1. Speak Life

Use your voice to bless, build, encourage, and uplift—even when it’s easier to criticize. Speaking life brings favor wherever you go.

2. Use Your Voice for Justice

Don’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right. Like Sojourner, Fannie Lou, or Ella Baker—speaking truth to power is a holy assignment.

3. Say What God Says

Let your words reflect your faith, not your fears. Declare God’s promises even when you’re still waiting on them.

4. Speak with Wisdom and Timing

Every word doesn’t need to be loud to be impactful. Favor flows through words spoken with wisdom and in season.

5. Teach, Tell, and Testify

Your story matters. Your wisdom matters. Your testimony matters. Share what God has brought you through so others can see the path forward.

Reflection Questions

Are you using your voice or hiding it?
Are you using your voice to speak fear or faith?
Who has been impacted by your words in the past?
What has God been prompting you to say in this season?

Final Word

Your voice is not a coincidence. It is a calling.

Whether you’re preaching from a pulpit, testifying at a council meeting, raising your child, performing poetry, or whispering prayers over your family—your voice carries divine favor.

Let today, the 11th day of International Black Women’s History Month, be a reminder: you were born to speak.

Your words carry light. Your voice creates space. Your truth sets captives free.

Speak, Queen.

The world is listening.

Closing Word

Discover how the characters in S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ use their voices and gifts to defeat evil and bring healing to their city. Order your signed copy today at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop and walk in your power.

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