It may come as a surprise to no one (especially my family), but I love to sing! It is/and has been one of my favorite forms of communication (singing is known to some as, elongated speech | & I would have to agree).
Recently, one of my former vocal coaches (shout out to Sarah, an amazing vocalist & worship leader) watched and recommended the movie/musical, “The Greatest Showman.” I watched, and enjoyed every minute of it! So much so, that I went back and watched it again and again. What I liked most about it, besides “a dream realized,” was the diversity in its cast and the celebration of each of their unique gifts, talents and abilities. The movie was fresh, and very insightful into how, “Barnum & Bailey’s Circus” got its start. Frankly, it was a breath of fresh air. The singing was both superb, and inspirational.
Non of us were created the exact same (you heard it said, I’m sure | If we were, “one of us would not be necessary“). Watching the current season of the voice is a prime example of that. Each coach have stacked their teams with very different/unique individuals. For example; I’ve noticed in the past African-American female singers start out strong in the beginning, but rarely finish in the top (unlike this current season | there are 4 among the top 12).
What I’ve notice is that they are all very different (unlike past seasons | where they all seemed similar in their vocals). This group of diverse women are all poised to make a huge difference in the lives of young up & coming African-American female singers.
- One sings, Country
- One sings, R&B
- One sings, Gospel
- And Yet Another sings, Pop
You see what I’m saying! Different/Unique! Maybe this will be the year an African-American female wins The Voice (since it’s start there have been none).
This past weekend my pastor taught on “Breaking Free of Fear,” and I know for so many of us in the congregation, that resonated (In one area of our lives, or another). Like I said before, I love to sing and I believe that The Lord has called me to sing, but I have faced some obstacles and insecurities with that. My voice is quite different from the typical African American female voice (I don’t scream, or display perfect runs | but what I do is; tell a story through song | much like a country singer). I’ve been told by a person who I once respected that I should give it up (singing for the Lord), and I let that get into my head (And that is where the insecurities came from). You need to be very careful of the individuals that you surround yourself with. Are they speaking life or death (to your God-given dreams)? The Lord revealed this to me: He said that I had allowed an outside voice to, come in, and almost kill my passion for what, He(the Lord) was birthing in me). Oh, That’s Deep! And Guess What, “I repented, Quickly!”
I am passionate about worshiping God, and leading others to the saving knowledge of Christ! My desire is to see God’s Kingdom and Power manifest, and to see people set free, healed, and restored as they diligently pursue the Face of God! I am passionate about the call to share the love of Christ with others through song and the written word. I find that the enemy is very sly and He is cunning. Working hard to distract God’s people and keep them from “Knowing God | Finding Freedom | Discovering His (God’s) Purpose | And Making a difference with their lives (Shout Out to my COTR family).” #stayfocused I knew I was called to sing when I was very young (And God brought Confirmation over and over again | especially when I felt like quitting). I heard His voice; not outwardly, but inwardly. I sing to and for Him! #AnAudienceOfOne #OneGoal
I ran into a former musician friend of mine this past weekend, and that passion ignited once again (brighter). I love my life and my greatest desire is to Please Him (God) | Not Man! Goals: To Be At The Right Place | At The Right Time | and Under The Right Leadership (Mentor). #FearLess #AnointedAndAppointedOfGod
I believe that one of our biggest challenges in life, is to not try to be like everyone else but to;
- Have courage
- Stand out!
- And Be different | Do you!
I want to encourage you: Don’t let go of that God-given dream. Live your Best Life in 2018 (write that book | sing that song | start that business | be remarkable). I love seeing my friends step out and do what God has placed in their hearts to do! #unashamed
If you have not done so already, it’s not too late. Create a personal growth/development plan for 2018. A personal development plan is a process that consists of defining what is important to you, what you want to achieve, what strengths you already have that help to achieve your goals, and what you need to improve and develop with time.
For me; I attended Toastmasters a few years back, but put it on hold (Asthma | And traveling with my son’s team). I am excited about picking it back up again | Taking my communications skills to the next level (ACA (vocal training) | Toastmasters | A Book A Month, 5k, 2nd Half-Marathon | And 2 Awesome Bible Plans for Continued Spiritual Growth. I’m Excited About My Personal, Physical & Spiritual Growth Plan For 2018! And you should be too. Remember; “Your Best Days Are Ahead Of You, Not Behind You!”
