Letting my voice be heard (2)

Friday was my first voice lesson in over 20 years! I can't believe that there is still actually a good voice in there! My voice is out of shape - but the base of it is good and strong. I about cried when I heard myself sing because I was surprised at how good I sounded. I haven't even allowed myself to really express my voice in years. I've sung in the ward choir, but I haven't sung a solo or duet in MANY years.

I felt like my spirit was enthusiastically screaming "Yes! Finally!" It feels so good to adress this part of me. I feel that this part of me has been dying - wondering what happened. If it had a voice it would be saying "Wait a minute, I'm here. Hello! Do you hear me?"

Once I decided to take voice lessons, I could feel a change in the tone in my voice. I was able to make some good vocal sounds. Amazing the control our minds and past can have over our lives and talents if we allow them to.

I think that we need to make conscious efforts to use the gifts that God gave us. If we don't, we will lose our gifts. This very thing is spoken of in the scriptures in the parable of the talents. The man who hid his talent under a bushel - lost his talent and the man who went back to Jesus to thank him for his talent was given more.

I have other gifts besides music. I am a massage therapist, hypnotherapist and intuitive counselor. These things are all very important to me. I use these gifts daily and so my ability has increased over time. The mistake that I made was believing that I had to make a choice. That I was no longer defined by who I once was - but that I had new gifts.

I do have new gifts (for which I am forever grateful) but this does not mean that I need to give up one thing that is precious to me to experience another. It does not have to be one or the other. My past gifts are a part of me. They help define who I am. I will never be an Opera star - and that is perfectly fine. Gifts come in varying degrees. My voice still brings myself and others joy. It was given to me for a reason. It was not given to me to hide it under a bushel. It needs to be heard.

Each of us are given our own unique gifts that help to shape who we are. To some are given visible talents, and to others are given gifts that are not so easily seen - but all gifts are equal in the sight of God.They are given to us to not only bless our life, but the lives of those around us.

Today I encourage all reading to be aware of what your unique gifts are. What role does your gift have on humanity? There is a purpose for each individual's talents. Embrace whatever gift you may have and express it. Let your voice be heard!