It is no news that this period is dark, dull, and dreary. Sad news envelops us daily. Tragedy seems endless, disaster and misfortune perpetually glum. Many are burdened by loss, depression, loneliness, illness of many kinds, and financial worries.
The voices we hear are what determine how we cope in this perilous time. There are voices of both good and evil, hope and despair, peace and war, good and bad. Some voices are easily forgotten, some make a lasting impact, and some are engraved in the heart.
The voices of these two past American Presidents, Franklin D Roosevelt and John Kennedy in their inaugural addresses were amplified because of the depth of some phrases they used.
Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 assured a forlorn people thus “You have nothing to fear but fear itself”. John Kennedy in 1961 charged Americans to build a better world when he said, ” Ask not what your country will do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
In 1963, Martin Luther King called for civil and economic rights to end racism in America with the popular voice, “I Have a Dream”.
Nelson Mandela was another President whose voice has been relevant. One of his famous quotes was “Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will”.
In the Bible, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ and many prophets of old made indelible voices during that time which we use today for healing, deliverance and miracles.
Are you a voice and what kind of voice are you?
Some of the decisions we make in life are products of the voices we hear. Our state of mind, mood, emotions and attitude are mainly determined by the voices we always hear from the people around us.
A child who hears a voice of wisdom, hope, good news, greatness and joy will likely feel uplifted and have high self-esteem and positive enforcement to be his best or to overcome turbulent emotions.
Even adults hear echoes of voices from people whom they have come in contact with. These voices unconsciously formed part of the lives they live daily. That’s why some people would say, “My mom used to say, my Dad used to say” ” My teacher, my mentor, my siblings and so on, always say this or that. Some people’s lives changed for the better because of one piece of advice they heard from a good voice.
What voice will you be remembered for? What you speak now becomes the voice another person will hear tomorrow. It may be what you’ll be remembered for. Ensure it’s healthy, positive, affirming and assuring.
What do you think the voice in your child’s head is saying? Children become the message they hear the most. Young adults mould their character from what they hear often. Adults remember the voices that have shaped their decisions.
We are the message we hear most. Take your voice seriously.
Be a good voice!
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
