What did you say?
I’m not asking much. Just a token really, a trifle. You’ll never even miss it. What I want from you is your voice.
My voice?
You got it, Sweetcakes. No more talking, singing, zip.
~Ursula and Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”
Zip pretty much describes it. For nearly a week I’ve been silent. Well, not completely silent, I can clap, whistle and whisper but I have not spoken a single word out loud in 6 days.
Since the surgery went well, my doctor is puzzled. He advised rest, drink plenty of fluids and try not to talk. Seriously, he said try not to talk. Do you know me? Previously the voice specialist told me I talk too fast. Perhaps she doesn’t understand how much I have to say. My dad says I was born talking and haven’t shut up since. So I have the gift of gab, but now what? Obviously, I have a problem.
Matthew 12:36, “I tell you that on the Day of Judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.” HCSB
Careless words?
I’m in trouble. Goodness, accounting for the careless words I speak in one day could take an eternity. When I think about what I most regret in my past, it’s words, always words. Words intended to poke, jab, slice and tear down.
Imagine a world where every word spoken was kind and encouraging; helpful and beneficial for building others up according to their needs. What if only necessary words were spoken? Well, I think there wouldn’t be nearly so much noise. What did you say today?
Ephesians 4:29b, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” NLT
Necessary words
Since the doctor told me to “rest my voice” (whatever), I use facial expressions, you know, my own personal set of emojis [insert eyeroll]. When absolutely necessary, I whisper, although the doctor advised against that too [insert exaggerated eyeroll]. I am forced to stop and choose whether my words are absolutely necessary [insert weary face] before I speak whisper. Yeah, I think it eliminated about 90% of my speech [insert shocked face].
Ecclessiates 5:7, “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.” NIV
Practicing the pause
I may be on to something here. Stop and think before speaking; choose words carefully and don’t say unnecessary words. Raise your hand if that sounds like a wise plan for all of us. Will you join me in fasting from unnecessary words? [Insert speak-no-evil monkey face]
Hateful words
Bitter words
Complaining words
Arguing words
Griping words
Gossiping words
Criticizing words
Whining words
Bragging words
Sarcastic words
Please pray my voice is restored soon but my negative speech is forever eliminated. Ironically, I am launching a new speaking ministry (check out my Speaker’s page here). Hmmm, a speaker who cannot speak. I figure God wants me dependent on Him for every single, solitary word. In the meantime, I’ll whisper. After all, people listen intently when you speak softly and even God spoke in a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19: 12b, “there was the sound of a gentle whisper.” NLT (that’s a pretty cool story, you ought to read it all)
Praise Him in the silence
Actions speak louder than words anyway. So I offer God a sacrifice of praise, thankful for a season of listening, pruning and maturing. He is making me who He wants me to be.
2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words.” NLT
Now, what did you say?
I didn’t say anything this week because I can’t. But somehow I think the message still gets across loud and clear. Thanks for your overwhelming support on my Facebook page.
What you don’t say sometimes speaks loudest #practicethepause Click To Tweet
It was good to see you last night. I hadn’t read this until after I saw you but realized your were whispering and understood. I hope that your voice returns quickly, but until then you have a voice right here that comes through loud and clear. Thank you.
Thanks. It sure makes ordering food a challenge!!
Ouch! I need to fast my words.
It seems God mandates these things for me
Maybe he is teaching you to use your other senses more. To listen to what is really being said, not just the words a person speaks.
I will practice the pause. My words and my tone of voice have wounded. I am praying for you sweet friend.
Trust me it talked LOTS of practice
Oh, Vickie….I know how hard this is for you! I am praying for you! I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I had to smile when I read this blog… it’s hard to think of you not talking. Be a good patient and listen to the doctor….. rest your voice. 🙂
Well, I don’t have to rest any more. My vocal cord is paralyzed from nerve damage. 90% chance of recovery in 2-3 months! Of course I’m glad you smiled. Thanks for your prayers
I am confident that God will restore your voice. I will continue to pray for complete healing.
Soon after I posted it started coming back!!
I’m visiting from Sitting Among Friends. I feel bad for you because although I never had surgery (btw, why did you need surgery?) I had an unexplained ulcer on my vocal chord and when I talked I would get a stabbing pain that radiated through my ear. The cure was not to talk. I had 4 children under the age of 11 and so it seemed impossible. I used a speak it ap where I could type and it would speak what I said. Praying that you get your voice back soon. I loved this post too.
Glad to be your neighbor. I had nodules on my thyroid. They expect recovery in 2-3 months. Meanwhile I am using the app some and it helps but still frustrating. Thanks for stopping by
I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. Praying your voice is restored quickly. I appreciate how God is using you and your situation to encourage others. Thank you! Great post!
Thanks, glad you stopped by