When I'm reading papers students have written or Facebook posts, I often hear the voice of the writer in my head. As if they are reading to me. When I noticed this happening today, I was reminded of a voice I "heard" a few weeks ago at church. I was running the computer/projector this particular Sunday, so I had to pay close attention and be on the ball with hitting the arrow button to change the words to the songs as the musicians played and sang. Otherwise, everyone would strain their neck to turn around and see who was screwing up. We began the service and it was full of old hymns of thanksgiving....which I love. I probably love them so much because I grew up singing them. Most of those years were spent sitting next to my grandma and grandpa. My grandma sang saprano and my grandpa had a voice as smooth a velvet. Having not heard my grandma's voice for several months now, I was brought to tears when the congregation began to sing "Count Your Blessings." It was as if she was sitting right next to me. I could hear her voice in my mind, singing every note. She had favorite hymns and this was one I remember her choosing to sing every time it was her turn to lead songs.
How amazing that our voices have so much power! The power to comfort us, encourage us, and strengthen us. But with all the great powers also come the power to degrade, mock, and cast doubt. Giving somone a compliment but with a sour tone to your voice will negate every word that you said. This made me think, how do I use my voice? I don't mean by just WHAT I say, but HOW I say it. Try complaining with a happy voice....your complaint will sound so much better than if you use a sharp, hateful tone. The tone of voice that we use can stick with a person for years to come. I'm going to try hard to remember this the next time I begin to raise my voice or have a negative tone. I don't want that to be how my voice is remembered. How I use my voice is about so more than me, and I have to remember, and be concious, of the people around me that my voice impacts.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesian.4:2).
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