Hey bjt_1973,
We'd recommend reviewing this article as it provides steps to help resolve issues sending messages: If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
" you still need help
- Try to restart your iPhone or iPad.
- Check your network connection. To send a message as iMessage or MMS, you need a cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. To send an SMS message, you need cellular network connection. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, you can send SMS messages over Wi-Fi.
- Check with your carrier to see if the type of message you’re trying to send, like MMS or SMS, is supported.
- If you’re trying to send group MMS messages on an iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and turn on MMS Messaging. If you don't see an option to turn on MMS Messaging or Group Messaging on your iPhone, then your carrier might not support this feature.
- Make sure that your device has enough space to receive images and videos.
- Make sure that you entered the correct phone number or email address for the contact.
Learn what to do if you see a Waiting for Activation alert
Contact Apple Support if you still can't send or receive messages
Contact your carrier if you still can't receive SMS messages
Deactivate iMessage if you switched to a non-Apple phone and have issues with messaging"
If that doesn't help, you may want to provide some additional details about the situation.
Is this happening with every contact you send a message to, or just some of them?
Is this happening with SMS/MMS messages (green bubble) or iMessages (blue bubble)?
Thanks!