Love Speaks Up

Love Doesn’t Look Away: When Speaking Up Is an Act of Foundation
At A Motivating Love, we define love not only by words, but by action — especially when that action requires courage. This piece is a reflection on what it means to be committed to one another in the workplace: to speak up when others can’t, to protect those who are vulnerable, and to create an environment where emotional safety is as valued as physical safety. This is the kind of love rooted in Foundation.

Silence Isn’t Always a Choice
Fear of retaliation is a real and paralyzing force. Many people stay silent — not because they don’t recognize harm, but because they fear losing their job, being labeled 

"difficult," or becoming isolated. This is especially true when the harm comes from someone in authority. When a title becomes a shield, power can become a weapon — used to intimidate, manipulate, and control without consequence.
We often tell people to "speak up," but what happens when doing so feels like stepping into a firing line? The risk is high, and too often, the system is built to protect titles rather than people.

The Unseen Pattern
Sometimes the language isn’t explicit — it’s the undertone, the timing, the isolation. It’s calculated and quiet. These behaviors often go unreported, not because they don’t exist, but because they’re designed to stay beneath the surface. But when multiple people — across different departments — begin sharing similar experiences, a pattern emerges. And just because no one’s documented it publicly doesn’t mean no one’s paying attention.
Predators don’t always need to touch you to cause harm. And they don’t always look the same. They can be male or female. Supervisor or colleague. All they need is unchecked power, a title, and the belief that no one will challenge them.

Allyship as Action
When someone trusts you enough to say, "This made me uncomfortable" — that’s a sacred responsibility. Speaking up on someone’s behalf isn’t just advocacy — it’s love in action. It’s saying, "I see you. I believe you. And I’ll stand with you while you find your voice." Sometimes, that is the first brick in a new foundation.
And it’s not just one person or one department. Others have felt it too — that same tone, that same discomfort. The pattern is quiet, but it’s real. And just because it hasn’t been reported, doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened.
Some individuals have turned to those they trust. Not because they want to start something, but because they need someone to see it, name it, and protect them while they gather the strength to protect themselves. If you're one of those people — in my circle or beyond — I've got you. I’ll speak for you until you’re ready. 

The Pillar of Foundation
At AML, Foundation means creating emotionally safe spaces. It means doing what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s the kind of love that holds people up when systems fail them. Whether it’s in our homes, our communities, or our workplaces — love should never be silent in the face of harm.
We don’t just commit to love when it’s easy. We commit to it when it costs us something. And in that space, love becomes our strongest foundation.

Love Commits to Safety
To those feeling like their voice won’t be heard — you are not imagining it. You are not overreacting. You are not alone.
And to those with the strength, position, or platform to speak up: your voice may be the reason someone else finally feels safe enough to use theirs.
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Love doesn’t look away.
It leans in.
It speaks up.
It builds the foundation others can stand on.
#YouAreNotAlone

Written by Daphne Anderson
Executive Director, A Motivating Love
Inspired by a real 2025 workplace experience, shared with permission.