Transcript
Credits: Images created by author using Canva Pro; Music licensed by Pond5
Welcome, Latter-day luminaries and creators! I’m Russell Anderson.
I’m back with another video as promised, and happy you have tuned in!
I recently introduced the idea that we will be embracing a content format using more video here in the Latter-day Voices community.
This change is still very new to me and, honestly, quite unnerving. But, I am forging ahead!
As a reminder, I aim for minimal editing, so what you see is what you get!
By the way, links to the stories and references are included in the transcript post.
Today, I am excited to discuss with you the importance of DISCOVERING your authentic voice and AMPLIFYING it in your own unique way when you are ready.
Okay, let’s get on with today’s topic.
As I mentioned earlier, I’d like to share some thoughts on the importance of finding and sharing your authentic voice.
There is real power when you tap into your voice, the real you, and share it in the way that feels comfortable to you.
It seems to me we are living in a “hinge moment” in history,
I bet you sense it too.
There is mounting pressure upon significant core concepts like freedom, faith, truth, and culture.
With recent events, there was optimism that maybe, just maybe, the assault of darkness on light we have been experiencing for so many years was going to moderate.
Ha! Right.
The hate speech against goodness, natural laws, bn v and logic has only intensified.
Is it just me, or are you sensing the same thing too?
In these times, it is crucial THAN EVER for individuals to DISCOVER AND LIFT their own unique voice, moving beyond just leaders or the loudest voices.
Some people are naturally gifted at raising their voice. It doesn’t even seem hard for them! My granddaughter is that way. From a young age, she developed a love for performing and has since become a talented songwriter and singer.
She can stand up in front of a crowd and belt out a beautiful tune in perfect pitch while playing her guitar with emotional ease and grace, touching the hearts of those in the audience.
Or take my friend and cousin-in-law Bryan Hyde. The guy is a natural in front of a microphone or speaking to any audience, no matter the size.
I admire people like my granddaughter and Bryan. We need them, and I am thankful for their beautiful voices!
But how about the rest of us who tend to be quiet by nature and prefer to blend in more with the background?
How do we go about “Discovering and Lifting Our Voice?”
Let’s begin by talking about the “Definition of ‘Voice” in a broad sense.
Here is how I have come to think about it.
The concept of voice goes beyond literal speaking.
I aggressively challenge the basic assumption that voice is limited to verbal communication.
While a bullhorn-holding protest leader may be needed at times, some of the most powerful voices in the world are non-verbal.
Not every voice is a verbal voice. Voice can take many forms, including actions, creations, and presence.
Deborah Martin from Raymond, Alberta, shared a personal story that is both interesting and noteworthy.
Despite losing her physical voice for 2.5 years, she discovered the depth of her voice in silence.
Deborah’s story underscores that there are, as she put it, “myriads of ways to speak,” such as the written word, music, images, or even a subtle “single knowing glance”.
And consider this: when the “still small voice” of the “Holy Ghost” rides along with personal expression, there is power.
Let’s Challenge the Notion That Loudness Equates to Influence.
None of us has to be loud to lead. Influence does not solely come from the “spotlight folks” holding a microphone.
This represents a significant shift from common perceptions of influence.
We Introverts Have a Voice, Too!
Being crowd-averse and quiet by nature is no excuse for remaining silent on issues you know are important.
Quiet and sometimes shy people are often excellent thinkers.
The core driver of an impactful voice is not volume, but AUTHENTICITY.
It’s about being genuinely and uniquely oneself, in a way that resonates with and connects with others.
Have you ever heard of Susan Cain? She is an introverted best-selling author who stepped into the spotlight to share her insights on the power of introverts through her bestselling book “Bittersweet” and a TED talk that has been viewed by millions since 2012.
Here is another example of a strong, introverted voice.
Unless you live with your head in the sand on a deserted island, you have undoubtedly heard of an author by the name of J.K. Rowling.
Her ability to craft worlds of depth and imagination from her quiet reflection is a testament to the impact introverts can have when they share their inner worlds.
There are boatloads of musicians and artists whose work deeply moves people without ever taking the stage.
So, if you are shy and quiet like I am, you can still step outside yourself.
This video podcast is a real-time case in point: You are listening and perhaps also watching me now. Or maybe you are reading the transcript post.
Putting myself out there is not easy. Honestly, I’m not fond of how I look on video or how my recorded voice sounds.
But I am doing this because I feel the drive to raise my voice to pierce the gathering darkness, and to do my part in pushing it back!
My message is this: If I can do it, so can you!
I have learned that stepping outside of myself doesn’t mean forsaking my introverted qualities. Instead, for me and maybe you, it means sharing your unique perspective with the world in whatever way feels most authentic to you.
The quiet strength of an introvert is a force to be reckoned with, one that can inspire, influence, and ignite change.
The concept of voice extends to a range of talents and activities, including cooking, building, coding, painting, mentoring, and even listening. These are all forms of expression where each of us can shine our light with pure authenticity.
You are enough! Your voice, your insights, and your creativity are all that is needed.
It’s not about changing who you are but identifying and embracing your strengths and allowing others to see them.
There is a strong sense of urgency to make our individually authentic voices heard.
Remaining silent, whether intentional or not, can be “mistaken for consent.”
Inaction creates a vacuum that will be filled by darkness. It is that simple!
In these challenging times, I sense we are each responsible for actively participating and contributing our perspectives, creating a unique blend of experience, skill, insight, and soul.
This combined light is our collective “signature” or “superpower” that will cut through today’s noise and confusion.
If you are wondering when and where to start, look down at your feet!
Just start wherever you are!
Feeling not ready or polished enough is normal.
The imperative is to start where you are with what you’ve got right now, even if it’s clumsy at first.
Here is today’s call to action:
More than ever before, NOW is the time to find and boldly amplify your voice without fear.
The world needs your light...
Now, when it’s messy, when it’s real, when it actually matters”
This community of Latter-day Voices is a practical example of how individual voices can come together.
ALL types of voices: Verbal and non-verbal, loud and soft, seasoned and new.
This is a gathering place for people ready to express truth, beauty, and light in a darkening world.
Joining does not require credentials, titles, or best-selling books; only a willingness to step forward in faith.
Reflecting the broad definition of voice, Community Members might contribute by writing essays, creating music, sharing tips for raising resilient kids, sharing cooking skills or recipes, or building meaningful businesses.
As creatives, we are living in the “Golden Age” of personal expression!
There are many ways to share one or more of your God-given talents and your unique voice.
The core message here is about collective impact, suggesting that when enough of us show up and shine, darkness doesn’t stand a chance.
Please consider where your voice might be waiting, what unique message it holds, and how you might already be expressing your “signature” without realizing it.
I will again emphasize that your most powerful expression might be something quieter, more authentic to you, and something you can start with, right now.
The ultimate takeaway is that you are enough, and your voice matters.
Now is the time to find and elevate your voice.
Thank you for joining me today!
I hope you will consider the profound impact your unique voice can have in the world.
Don’t listen to the adversary and underestimate the power of your authentic self in shaping the world around you.
If I can find and elevate my voice, so can you! Please think about it.
That’s it for today!
Let’s stand together, each of us locking arms and shining our collective light, to push back against the gathering shadows.
Until next time, keep creating, keep expressing, and most importantly, keep being you!
Thank you for tuning in.
