My Voice Journey

I have been on a journey lately to find my voice. As an author and an artist, it is becoming more and more important to me to understand how to express myself. Not sure if it is age or season of life, but I want to have a genuine voice. One that reflects who I really am inside.

I have written a book and accompanying devotional to help myself and others to hear our own voices. I think sometimes we tend to speak but not really listen to ourselves. We sometimes say words that mimic what we think we should say or we just say what we think others want to hear (at least I do!). It is so important to own your own voice. It matters. How I speak and how others hear me can be life changing, but its not just my vocal chords forming words that define my voice. Its who I am. Its what I believe. Its intentional.

All my life I have pursued creativity in one form or another. I am thankful for a heritage of artists that have encouraged me to be creative. I feel like I have had the opportunity to use my gifts in many different ways. Some of my favorites are (in no particular order) music, drawing, painting, writing, set making, sewing, hand-stitching, directing plays, home film making, paper art, costumes, and tried and true crafting. A lot of times I act in response to a need. Sure, I can direct that Easter drama. Sure, I know how to do calligraphy, how many envelopes do you need addressed? Sure, I’d love to play my flute. Sure, I’ll make some clothes for my kids. Sure, Id love to make some signs for your event. Sure, I can make props for the Christmas dinner. You get the idea. I am not sure how often I have just pursued what I wanted. To be perfectly honest, I am not even sure what I want to pursue, so there’s that.

I have been listening to a podcast by Matt Tommey recently and it has me thinking. How often have I spent hours creating and loving every minute of it, but not being Spirit lead as I go? I can tell you, a lot. A lot of times. I have always acknowledged that God gave me to ability to create, but how often have I asked Him what I should create? Mostly I have waited until I “feel” inspired, then I create. Of course, as an online entrepreneur there were many days I created, but that felt like 100% work. Thank you, Matt, for challenging my norms.

So, in this moment, in this COVID-19 shelter at home time, I am determined to spend more time listening to His voice and less time trying to make my voice heard. As I have the opportunity to get in the studio and work, I want to commune with Him, ask Him for direction, and see where He will lead because ultimately, I want my voice to fully reflect His voice in my head.