63 // I Have a Voice

Listen to Podcast Episode 63: I Have a Voice

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When I was a child, I had no voice—no voice about who my parents were, where I lived, where I went to school, who my parents' friends were, who my relatives were, the war our country was fighting, how to deal with the personal losses of friends, loved ones and the places where I felt safe, and even the abandonment I experienced in this world.I had no voice.When I became a man, I discovered that I could make a choice—that I could find my voice. I discovered we all have our own pool of tears we have to deal with everyday. I discovered I can rise.I do have a voice.I can find that voice. I can choose where I live. I can choose my friends. I can choose how to respond to my closest relatives. I can choose to search what is true about the world, about me, about God, and about friendship.I now celebrate the freedom to be on the search for that contentment—for peace, joy, and hope. Although it's hard to find, it is within the reach of everyone.Psalm 32 opens the door to help me find that voice.A Psalm of David:

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,whose sins are covered.Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him,and in whose spirit is no deceit.When I kept silent, my bones wasted awaythrough my groaning all day longFor night and dayyour hand was heavy on me;my strength was sappedas in the heat of summer.Then I acknowledged my sin to youand did not cover up my iniquity.I said, “I will confessmy transgressions to the Lord.”And you forgavethe guilt of my sin.Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to youthat you may be found;surely when the mighty waters risethey will not reach him.You are my hiding place;you will protect me from troubleand surround me with songs of deliverance.I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you and watch over you.Do not be like the horse or the mule,which have no understandingbut must be controlled by bit and bridleor they will not come to you.Many are the woes of the wicked,but the Lord’s unfailing lovesurrounds the man who trusts in him.Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;sing, all you who are upright in heart!

I have a voice and so do you.God has a voice and he has spoken and his word to you is, "I love you." He communicated that through the death and the burial and the resurrection of his only son, Jesus Christ.All the best today,Terry Sanford Smith Music credit: Tony Anderson; Image credit: Unsplash.