authenticity | Answering Your Call

Gabrielle Union received the Fierce and Fearless Award from Essence Magazine some time last year. I have never had what would conventionally be thought of as a “fierce and fearless” persona, but over the course of my years in ministry, I’ve often been tempted to put one on. I’ve also been guilty of dimming my own natural God-given shine, but now I’m on the road to recovering it. And that’s why Gabrielle’s acceptance speech resonates with me. She held strength and vulnerability together while confessing her flaws and struggles. She affirmed the community of family and friends that have accompanied her on the journey. There is something fierce about facing fear.

Jesus has named his followers after himself – the light of the world. No longer is it acceptable to live in a dimmed existence that tries to disappear or an artificial fluorescence that seeks to outshine — both are rooted in hiding under a basket. The Gospel is beautiful in that it allows the radiance of Christ to shine through the uniqueness and unity of a fierce and fearless people who have received God’s grace.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSV)

Your Call: Watch and reflect on the video. What would it look like for you to become fierce and fearless?

Falsetto
sounds real pretty
but only momentarily
so
Work your range.
Sip Living Water.
Breathe deep.
Let Air do what Air does best
in Full Voice.

I have spent just about all of my adult years singing in one choir or another. As an alto, I have been called upon to venture into “soprano” territory from time to time. This “falsetto” tone is not “full” but has a quality about it that works for a particular part of a given song. But I can imagine what it would be like to have to sing falsetto all of the time. My vocal cords would be worn out. My voice would be strained. Not a good scenario. Fortunately, I get to sing within my range most of the time, so “full voice” is the norm.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about how this concept of “voice” applies to other areas of expression, like speaking and writing. In our consumer-driven society, our creativity can be seen as a mere commodity instead of the gift from God that it is. The temptation to compare or compromise our voices is very real. A connection with our Creator is our only effective strategy against this.

What does it mean to discover and embrace your unique voice in the spoken and written word as well as the lived life? How can we live in “full voice” and instead of settling for the “falsetto?” There are no formulas or quick fixes here, but my opening poem is my way of working through these questions. Whether you sing on a platform or in your living room, I invite you to consider how the imagery in the poem speaks to you.

Your Call: In what area is God calling you to increased commitment to discerning and developing your unique voice? What highlights and challenges have you encountered on the journey to “full voice?”