I found my voice. One of them, at least.
One weekend with ‘The Voice Lady’ brought out my true voice after years of not even knowing it existed. I got what I went for, and way more. She didn’t just address how we sound, but how we express ourselves, how we posture ourselves, and even how we breathe. I feel like a new person!
We speak volumes beyond what we actually say. I’m impressed at how making minor, yet key, adjustments can reinforce the message we want to send. I’m also impressed (and slightly distressed) by how easily we can hinder our message… [For more info on ‘The Voice Lady‘s’ workshop click here]
A wise man told me that we must also find our spiritual voice: the message we were created to emanate, our unique expression of who God is. So I’ve been pondering: How do we find our spiritual voice?
By listening.
“Silence is the mouthpiece of God”. -Matthew Kelly
I’ve noticed a commonality in the people whose words ring of Truth that is striking, yet somehow familiar – words that are instinctively recognizable as Divinely inspired: they speak of sitting silently before God. Just waiting, listening.
I’ve found the not speaking aspect of silence challenging enough. Quieting my thoughts, almost impossible. So I’ve been building up my endurance 15 minutes a day. Why is it so hard to be still?! I’ve been told that we must filter what we expose ourselves to, and have a lifestyle of keeping our mind clear of clutter. Then we can more easily slip into silence. Makes sense. Just like clearing out our physical space helps us rest.
This confirms my sense that God has been warning me against impulsively consuming every piece of information that comes my way as to make room to hear Him without any distractions or preconceived notions. I believe that God wants to connect with each of us in a way that He can with no one else. As we get to know Him and become like Him, a particular facet of who He is will shine through us. We will ‘have become the message‘ we were born to be.
“And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him”. ~2 Corinthians 3:18 (MSG)
blossomingpebble 
Another great post. Please explain what you meant when you were answering the question, why is it so hard to be still? You said, you were told to filter what you expose yourself to? What does that look like?
“I believe God wants to connect with each of us in a way that He can with no one else”.
This is one of the statements that really stand out to me. God bless!
Rolain.
Hi Rolain!
I’m glad the post spoke to you (no pun intended :)).
What I meant by filtering what I expose myself to, is that I am careful about what I read, listen to, watch, who I spend my time with, etc. This helps keep my mind clear and focused in general, and lessens the mind racing when I set time aside to be still before God.
There’s a lot of noise out there, and a lot of it is good stuff, but our heads can get so full that we can’t hear God for ourselves. On the other hand, sometimes He will point out a book, a movie, or a blog, etc, that He specifically wants me to check out that will help me better understand what He is saying to me.
There are also times and seasons: times to be hidden with God when we receive and put out as little communication as possible. Other times we need to be ‘out there’ connecting with people.
It is about always being in tune with God and to only be doing what we see our Father doing.
Does that make sense?
Hannah
Hey Hannah.
Thanks. That does make a lot of sense!!!! I have noticed how I have been struggling to still my mind when I am spending time with God. Now I have an idea why that is happening and I have an idea of what I need to do to change it. Thanks again for that and God bless!
I was in a store where they sell quartz a friend grab one and I said why are you buying that, to meditate she responded. Me: why you meditate? I talk to god, in silence you listen to him. Since that day I try to be in silence, it is hard with my mind constantly talking, but just like you I try. Glad you are trying.
Glad you’re trying too! Godspeed!