Finding Your Voice

Let’s begin with an embarrassing story.

 

As a kid with an active imagination, I enjoyed storytelling with various playacting voices. Of course Barbie and Mr. Potato Head couldn’t sound the same! I’d even alter my inflection when reading books aloud, trying to match the character cadences I created in my head.

 

Also somewhat common was the temporary frenzy when the story ended, as I attempted to find my normal voice again.

 

I’d run, perplexed, to my mom for help—as a mom now myself, I recognize her veiled amusement at my panic.

 

“Which one is my real voice?” 

(octaves lower than a teen boy twice my age) “Is it this one?”, I’d mumble.

“Is it this one?”, squeaking out a mousy squeal.

“Is this MY voice? Is this my REAL voice?”, forcing out various pitches and tones.

 

“Jennifer,” she’d say, resting her hands on my shoulders, “Just speak. You don’t have to force it, your true voice will come out.”

 

Sigh. What a relief!

 

And yet, as Christian communicators, I find many of us (myself included) can live in this struggle.

 

What is my voice?

What’s the unique contribution I have to make?

Why would someone want to hear from me?

Maybe I should figure out how to be like, sound like, create like, my favorite speaker / author / podcaster?

How can I show up like they do?

How can I look like them?

 

Or maybe, after so many months and years of trying to model our ministry after someone else’s, we struggle to find ourselves again.

 

Friend, can I help you find your voice?

 

It’s not self-seeking when you offer your skills and voice as acts of service. The world needs what YOU uniquely offer. You have a vantage point entirely of your own. You’ve received incredible riches from God through life seasons that also left scars on your heart. 

 

so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:4 ESV)

 

We need what you have. We need the way YOU show up.

 

That’s not a guilt trip or an attempt to pressure you into something. It’s an affirmation that God knew what He was doing when He entrusted that message, that ministry, that community, that resource, to you. 

 

And I’m here to help you use your voice with confidence.

 

Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer. Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins. Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace. For example, if you have a speaking gift, speak as though God were speaking his words through you. If you have the gift of serving, do it passionately with the strength God gives you, so that in everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to him belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages! Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-8,10-11 TPT)

 

Some steps to help:

 

1. Reflect on where you started. 

Before the noise or distraction of other voices and calls, where did you start from? What motivator first stirred your heart for this cause and community? What testimony have you lived? What is your “why” behind how you serve? If you’ve moved away from these things, ask God to show you why, and the steps you are to take next.

 

2. Ask God to remind you of your voice. 

What qualities and characteristics are true of you? How does your unique flavor and personality contribute to your ministry? What does God love about the beautifully sweet or spicy, movie-quote-laden or poetic, gentle or straightforward, peaceful or passionately explosive expression of your heart?

 

3. Ask a few people to help you identify the unique way you show up in their lives. 

Talk to some friends, family, and readers or community members. What three words would they use to describe you? What do they love about the way you lead or communicate? Insights from those already connecting with your heart and ministry will help you hone in on your God-given voice.

 

4. Get good at recognizing your unique voice by clarifying your brand.

As Christian communicators, brand clarity is a powerful tool that helps us connect with the hearts of those we serve. When leaders misunderstand the concept of “brand” they miss out on the powerful and God-honoring ways it contributes to their ministries. I want to support the work you’re already doing and help others recognize your voice and connect. So, I’m offering a FREE {limited time} Masterclass, You Have a Brand. How to clarify it, build upon it, and make a big impact. Use the link above to save your seat.

 

You’re not a Mr. Potato Head or a Barbie. Your call isn’t to mimic even the most wonderfully fruitful ministries around you. 

 

As daughters of the Most High, we need your voice. And we celebrate when you use it!

 

​​My heart is on fire, boiling over with passion. Bubbling up within me are these beautiful lyrics as a lovely poem to be sung for the King. Like a river bursting its banks, I’m overflowing with words, spilling out into this sacred story. (Psalm 45:1 TPT)

This is a guest post from our longtime friend of Declare, Jen Weaver. Jen is a Ministry Coach​, investing in your personal leadership growth and helping you develop message & brand clarity for the ministry you love. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and at thejenweaver.com, and of course, through this FREE Masterclass!