A year ago, I had the privilege of attending a coming-of-age party for a friend’s daughter. And a year ago, I was just beginning to design my website and call myself a writer. Oh, I’d written a couple of books already, but for the first time, I dared to hope that my words would affect someone’s heart. Like a squeaky, tremulous middle-schooler singing her first solo, I was stepping out onto the internet stage in the hopes that someone would be touched by my voice. So, naturally, when given the invitation to write a meaningful letter to my young friend on her birthday, I wrote to her about one of the strongest convictions I carried at the time: sharing your unique voice with the world.
A year later, after establishing a blog, somehow finding a faithful group of readers, launching a book, and then stepping back from it all, I find myself needing the reminder of what I wrote to my young friend.
Because sharing my heart has been vulnerable.
Because not everyone loves my voice nor takes the time to listen.
Because its plain ol’ hard work to practice the craft of writing and learn the ropes of sharing it well.
Because if this is truly what I’m called to do, I can’t afford to forget how important it is.
So, Aimee, if you’re reading this, thank you for letting me share my encouragement to you in this space, as well, and I hope you’re using your beautiful voice more and more each day.
The Letter
The world is waiting to hear your voice.
All your talents, all your stories, all the truth you carry inside, all that makes you unique–this is your voice.
At first, your voice may sound a bit like your mom’s, a bit like your dad’s, or a bit like your friends’, but as you grow, you will discern God’s one-of-a-kind design for your life, and you will begin to speak and to live out of your own voice.
Your voice is beautiful. It is a song of praise to the One who made you and redeems you. It is a weapon to overcome the enemy. It is a gift of light to those who hear it, as your voice can illuminate their path and guide their steps to the Father.
Your life is your voice, so shout it out that the hungry ears around you may hear. Every day, somebody, somewhere, can only hear the goodness of God through your voice. So don’t ever hold back. Raise your voice and sing your song to bring life to a dying world.
Your Voice Can Change Eternity
I don’t know what opportunities you have to share your voice, friend, but I do know it matters.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8
I would add, if it’s organizing the carpool, then organize faithfully; if it’s sanitizing the tables, then do it with care; if it’s singing worship over your little ones before bed, then sing from the bottom of your heart.
There is no word or deed without meaning. And there is no sacrifice made in love that the Lord will not use. Your life-song matters. Keep using that one-of-a-kind voice, and I will too.
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