The Power of Voice
The Power of Voice
Did you know that each voice is unique? When you think about it, it’s not just physiology but it carries with it a long chain of influences from our history. Our voices are as unique as our fingerprints in ways I never considered before.
One factor is tone. Our vocal chambers can indeed resonate in a certain way that produces a certain timbre… from our vocal cords to our sinuses. Our physiology carries with it generations of ancestral fragments, all placed together in quite a unique way—and can even be influenced by how we have trained our own voice.
This goes beyond accent. Even the way we structure a sentence can use words and phrases unique to a region. Just as our physiology can be the product of generations of history, regional accents and dialects are the product of countless years of cultures and influences.
Our voice can also be influenced by those around us. Have you ever noticed that people can often emulate people who mentor them? A singer will list their influences as people who sing in a certain way that inspires them, and you may hear it through the way they perform. I believe it is just the same as a preacher who has held a high regard for another preacher. It can also happen among friends too – I can remember more than one time growing up realizing that I had picked up a phrase or mannerism from a friend.
All of these factors, for better or worse, are reflected in our voice. Our voices are as unique as we are. Our voices reflect our life, our family, our culture and our region. Our voices are a part of who we are, and when we speak it’s a resonance of all that we are.
“Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now. therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:11-12)
God cherishes our voices and our voices were made for His ears. Visions of heaven are often described with countless masses of people singing His praise. Our prayers to Him are captured as bowls of incense and brought before His throne (Rev 5:8).
My encouragement today – do not hide your voice. God made it precious and beautiful – it represents you and the journey you have walked. Your voice reflects the wisdom you have gained and the lessons you have learned. Use it to worship, use it to pray, use it to speak and use it to bless.
Use it to bring Him glory, and be His voice to those around you.
I hope that encourages you today.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. Ps 139.14