Life can be a lot like singing. Read on to find out what I’ve learned about life in finding my own voice.
There are so many things to love about my sweet husband. Well, he’s sweet, yeah. And he’s generous and handsome. He’s way smarter than he gives himself credit for. He’s loyal and thoughtful.
Now, these characteristics probably don’t come as a surprise to those who know him. What some people probably don’t know, though, is that Randy has a beautiful voice. Although he doesn’t believe me when I say it, he’s as good as most people making a career of singing. Not to get into comparison, but he’s good.
He’s always singing around the house. We joke that he’s always got a song in his head. And lyrics. He knows practically every song there is back to the forties. He can sing any genre like a chameleon, yet somehow he has his own sound. He sings songs like he wants to sing them.
I love to sing, too. Singing is one of my favorite ways to express and process my emotions—but by myself. I’m not comfortable singing in front of anyone else.
I’ve sung in church, but despite good feedback, it was never really…my thing.
When I sing, I’m so afraid of how I’ll sound or that someone else will cringe that my throat gets tight. A tight throat ain’t good for singing. It strangles anything good, confirming my own insecurities.
Randy doesn’t seem to have this problem. He always sings out. He seems to know his voice.
My sweet husband has taught me a lot about singing, but I’ve been thinking lately about how those lessons also apply to life. We spend our lives searching for the balance between being unique and blending in, stepping out and fearing failure.
What I’ve Learned in Finding My Own Voice in Life
#1 – Perfection isn’t the goal.
It’s so hard not to lose sight of this. Like a revolving door, I circle from remembering that perfection isn’t my goal—because it’s impossible—to thinking whatever I do or think isn’t good enough.
Not even the best singers are perfect, but they know there is beauty in their flaws.
#2 – Don’t stop.
One thing I’ve noticed about good singers like my husband is perseverance. So what if they didn’t hit a note or run just so?
They keep singing anyway. And they sound good despite the mistakes.
In life, we’ll make mistakes, but we can’t stop.
#3 – Sing out.
I believe the singer’s expression is singing from the diaphragm. Nothing sounds good when it’s pressed through a strangled throat. It needs power behind it just as we do in life.
#4 – listen with emotion.
I’m terrible about listening to myself as I sing. This may be a bad description, but I tend to critique myself the whole time. Yeah, that doesn’t work.
Interestingly, when I stop that and listen to the song and the emotion behind it, my singing improves.
Just like life, I struggle when singing without emotion. Heart is essential. Otherwise we’re just going through the motions.
So many times I’ve held back for fear of cracking a note—not realizing that I was making it worse. God doesn’t expect perfection from us. He expects us to keep pressing on and to be our authentic voice in a world that’s hurting.
Do you feel like you’ve learned your own voice in life? Share in the comments below.
Here’s more reading for you!
- 5 Simple Things the People-Pleaser Should Remember from HISsparrowBlog
- 2 Reminders For Maintaining Personal Identity in Marriage from HISsparrowBlog
- Insecurity: 7 Verses for When You Doubt Yourself from HISsparrowBlog
- Who I Am Playlist: 45+ Song Reminders For Identity from HISsparrowBlog
- Identity in Christ 3 Simple But Encouraging Steps from HISsparrowBlog
I frequently link up with the following: Grace & Truth with Embracing the Unexpected, Tell His Story with Jeanne Takenaka, and Let’s Have Coffee with Joanne Viola.
Maybe there’s a reason that the Psalmist talks about making a ‘joyful noise.’ I’m so glad that God accepts our praises no matter how off-key they are. I love bursting into song at a moment’s notice. Sometimes we can’t help but sing right out loud. I’m guessing He smiles.
Thanks for this nudge to sing it out loud, Ashley.
I’ve always loved that expression: the joyful noise. So glad you were encouraged, Linda! Thank you for commenting!
This is such a beautiful analogy, Ashley. I’m glad you use your voice for writing! And I have a hunch your singing voice is probably pretty good too. 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by, Lisa!
I enjoyed your writing! Ive heard you sing and thought you were very anointed. I bet you and your sweet husband wound sing good together.
Thank you, Judy!
What a neat analogy. I’ve not sung much in front of people–similar issues to what you describe. But I know the more I focus on myself and how I sound and how others will perceive me and what if something goes wrong—I’m a mess. But when I focus on sharing the message of the song, I can concentrate on ministering to others. I think that is so true in our writing as well.
So true, Barbara! Thank you for commenting!
Ashley, love your thoughts here! Sometimes we have trouble finding our voice, and when we do find it, we don’t like it. For many years I felt I didn’t have a voice, but finally finding it, I allow the Lord to guide in how I use it for Him.
I don’t doubt you have a lovely because your words here are always so life giving!
It takes time to learn our own “voices,” doesn’t it? I’m so glad you are learning your voice! Thanks so much for the encouragement!
This was a wonderful analogy, Ashley. This >> “Not even the best singers are perfect, but they know there is beauty in their flaws.” Those words made me turn to Isaiah 61:3 to remind myself of the wonder of our God to bring “beauty from ashes.” May we find our “voice” and use it to honor Him – in what ever way He calls us.
That’s one of my favorites, Donna: beauty from ashes. Thank you so much for stopping by!