Actions Over Words: Letting Your SHINY Life Speak

Hey there, SHINY friends! It’s Matt Logan, coming at you from the heart of shinyyou.us - where the winters are crisp and the lessons from life hit hard.  

Today, I want to dive into a timeless truth that’s been echoing in my mind lately—a nugget of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson that perfectly aligns with our SHINY Blueprint for living.  

Emerson said: “If you have to tell anyone how or what you’re like ‘I am a’ you might not be that what you say, go and do, that will reveal you, saying it won’t. ‘Your actions speak so loudly, I can not hear what you are saying.’” 

Whew, doesn’t that just cut right to the chase? In a world full of social media bios, LinkedIn profiles, and elevator pitches where we’re all quick to declare “I am strong,” “I am hope,” or “I am influential,” Emerson reminds us that words alone are like whispers in a storm. It’s our actions that thunder the truth of who we are. And friends, this hits the core of what SHINY is all about—Strong, Hope, Influential, Necessary, You—rooted in Biblical truth and designed to move us from mere declaration to dynamic living. 

Think about it through the lens of our SHINY phases. In Phase 1, “You Are SHINY!”—that’s God’s unwavering declaration over you, straight from Scripture. He says you’re strong because His Spirit lives in you (Romans 8:11), hope through the Holy Spirit’s outpouring (Romans 15:13), and so much more.  

But here’s where Emerson’s wisdom kicks in: If we stop at just knowing or saying it, we’re missing the boat. We slide right into Phase 2: “Be SHINY!” This is the obedience phase, the “go and do” part.  

It’s Joshua 1:9 in action—“Be strong and courageous”—not just reciting it, but stepping out in faith, even when the path looks foggy. 

I remember after losing my daughter in that heartbreaking car crash, I could have stayed stuck in grief, telling myself and others, “I am hope.” But hope isn’t a label; it’s a lifestyle. It showed up when I chose to create this SHINY Framework, pouring my pain into purpose, helping others shine through their own shadows.  

My actions—writing, speaking, building this SHINY community—spoke louder than any “I am” statement ever could.  

And that’s when Phase 3 clicks in: “I Am SHINY!” It becomes your identity, not because you said it, but because you’ve lived it out. 

But wait, Emerson’s quote has a warning baked in: If your actions aren’t aligning, those words ring hollow. That’s why Phase 4, “Stay SHINY!”, is all about abiding and guarding—standing firm in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:13). It’s the daily grind of choices that protect your shine from the world’s dimmers.  

Are you influencing others by being salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), or just posting about it?  

Are you proving your necessity through good works prepared for you (Ephesians 2:10), or waiting for applause? 

Let me challenge you today: Pick one SHINY attribute that’s calling to you. Maybe it’s strength in a tough season.  

Don’t just affirm it—act on it.  

Hit the gym with Philippians 4:13 fueling your steps, or reach out to a friend in need, borrowing God’s power.  

Watch how your actions reveal the real you, louder than any words. 

If this resonates, check out the full SHINY Blueprint here for more on turning declarations into destiny.  

And hey, if you’re feeling that spark, grab some SHINY gear from the store to wear your reminder proudly—because when you live it, you shine it. 

Stay SHINY, my friends. Your light is needed now more than ever. 

In His grace, 
Matt Logan