Reed's Reads of Wisdom Wednesdays™: You Don’t Have to Clap Back—Let Someone Else Speak for You

1. When People Talk Reckless About You

Chapter 11 "Return Home" of Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™ opens with Jeff and Juanita on their way back to the Village of Memphis. As they ride together, Jeff, in his usual joking tone, starts talking slick about Kevin—calling him scared, useless, and a wimp. Kevin isn’t even there to defend himself. But Juanita is.

She doesn’t laugh it off. She doesn’t stay silent. She speaks up with holy boldness:

“You don’t know Kevin and you have no right to talk about him that way. He’s a sweet, caring and wonderful guy. He’s confident and reliable and cares about others more than he cares about himself.”

That’s what spiritual loyalty looks like. In a world that often lets sarcasm slide, Juanita models what it means to be a voice of protection for someone who isn’t in the room.

Her words aren’t reactive—they’re restorative. She calls out the disrespect while lifting up the truth. She becomes Kevin’s advocate not out of obligation, but out of deep personal conviction. Her courage shows us what happens when we honor character over comedy.

2. You Don’t Have to Defend Yourself—God Has People for That

Kevin never hears Jeff’s words. He doesn’t know he’s being mocked. He doesn’t even get a chance to respond. But God makes sure someone is in that car—someone who honors Kevin’s character, his strength, and his heart.

Truth: You don’t always need to defend yourself. Sometimes, your integrity has already planted advocates who will speak when it counts.

Scripture:“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” — Isaiah 54:17

But sometimes God lets someone else condemn that tongue for you—so you can stay focused on your mission.

Think about Mordecai in the book of Esther. When Haman was plotting to destroy him, Mordecai never begged for his life. He remained faithful and honorable, and God raised up Esther to speak on his behalf in the king’s court. You don’t always have to be in the room to be rescued. Sometimes, God places an “Esther” or a “Juanita” in the room instead.

3. Letting Loyalty Speak Louder Than Insecurity

Jeff tries to twist the conversation into flirtation. After Juanita checks him, he says:

“Wow. I am so blind.”“About what?” Juanita asks.“Well, I thought Kevin had feelings for you… but I didn’t realize that you were sweet on him too.”

Juanita doesn’t deny it. She doesn’t affirm it either. But what’s clear is this: she’s loyal. Her words showed more than she was willing to say out loud.

In relationships, loyalty is often louder than love songs. It’s seen in how we speak about someone when they aren’t present. It’s shown in our refusal to entertain disrespect. That’s the kind of loyalty that builds legacy, not just chemistry.

Wisdom: Sometimes loyalty exposes your heart more than confession ever will. And that’s not weakness—it’s honor.

Quote to Remember:“People will always remember who clapped for them when they weren’t in the room.”

4. Setting Boundaries in the Face of Disrespect

When Jeff tries to flirt again and offers himself as a “rebound guy,” Juanita doesn’t just brush it off—she shuts it down with force:

“You might be a hero now, but in the morning, you’ll still be a dog.”

Boundaries are biblical. Love does not mean entertaining foolishness. Juanita protects her own dignity while still carrying affection for someone who isn’t even present.

Scripture:“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” — Matthew 5:37

We live in a culture that rewards comebacks and clapbacks. But the Spirit leads us toward clarity, not chaos. Juanita’s clarity becomes a sword of righteousness—not because she fights dirty, but because she draws a holy line.

5. God Sees the Room You’re Not In

The beauty of this chapter isn’t just Juanita’s loyalty. It’s the divine reminder that when you walk in truth, God will position people to guard your reputation.

Jeff thought he was making jokes. He didn’t realize he was triggering a testimony. Juanita didn’t fight because of romance—she fought because of righteousness.

Encouragement: You don’t have to be everywhere to be defended. God will place a Juanita in every room meant to test your name.

Supporting Scripture:“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” — 2 Chronicles 16:9

5.1. When God Becomes Your Advocate

Sometimes, it’s not just other people who defend you—sometimes, God Himself steps in. Throughout Scripture, we see moments where the Lord doesn’t just raise up someone to speak on your behalf—He is the voice.

Think of Jesus at His baptism. The Father literally breaks through the clouds to declare: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Jesus hadn’t done any miracles yet. No sermons preached. No crowds healed. But the Father still affirmed Him publicly. That’s what divine advocacy looks like.

When no one else knows your worth, God does. And when the slander grows loud, His truth will thunder louder.

Scripture:“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” — Joshua 1:5“The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” — Romans 8:26

Encouragement: If no one is speaking up for you—don’t panic. Heaven is. The Spirit intercedes. The Father affirms. The Son redeems. You are covered.

6. Declarations Over Your Reputation

• I am not forgotten in the rooms I’m not in. God sees me.

  
  

• I trust God to raise voices who protect my name and my purpose.

  
  

• I will defend truth even when no one else is watching.

  
  

• I will not let sarcasm erase someone else’s worth.

  
  

• I speak with courage, and I live with loyalty.

  
  

• I believe God Himself will speak on my behalf when necessary.

7. Reflection Questions

• Have I ever felt the need to clap back, but sensed God telling me to stay silent?

  
  

• Who has God placed in my life that consistently defends my name and spirit?

  
  

• How do I respond when others are being disrespected in their absence?

  
  

• What kind of loyalty do I show when no one is watching?

  
  

• Am I willing to be someone’s advocate even when it costs me comfort?

  
  

• Do I trust that God Himself will advocate for me when I feel unseen or unheard?

8. Call to Action

This week, choose to be someone’s defender. Don’t wait for applause. Speak truth when someone is being torn down. And if you’ve been mocked or misunderstood, trust this: God sees every room and sends the right person at the right time.

And when no one else speaks? Know this: God will.

Be the voice that honors. Be the silence that protects. Be the testimony someone never forgets.

9. Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for raising up voices when I feel voiceless. Thank You for those who defended my name when I wasn’t there to speak. Help me to do the same—for friends, family, even strangers. Give me boldness like Juanita. Give me eyes like Yours—to see what others miss, to speak truth in love, and to silence sarcasm with righteousness. And when no one else stands up for me, be my voice. Be my defender. I trust You with my name. I trust You with my story. Amen.

🛡️ Want more of this powerful journey?

Order autographed copies of Book I and Book II of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ at www.tyronetonyreedjr.comRead the full archive of devotionals at: https://wix.to/on0ebIP