What you do with what you have

The one the only.  Aunt Nanette.

When I was a teenager and really starting to develop my love for singing I had a conversation with my Aunt Nanette.  Growing up (and still to this very day) I ADORE my Aunt Nanette's voice.  Aunt N.  and my grandmother used to sing a song and I can recite every single word of that song to you to this day.  For questioning minds that song is The King of Who I Am.  Man, I love that song.  But I really loved the passion in both my aunt and grandmothers voice when they sang it.  Gives me glory bumps just thinking about it. 

Anyway, the conversation took place on Aunt Nanette's couch sometime in the late hours of the night.  Aunt Nanette lives in Florida so anytime we had the opportunity to be together going to sleep usually was the least of our concern...or at least it was the least of mine.  She told me that it isn't the degree of our talent that matters but how it affects people.  She said that you didn't have the best voice, but you did need to have a unique voice.  That conversation has stayed with me all these years. 

Allen and I recently were watching a Gaither Special...yes we watch Gaither Specials.  A lot.  I love them.  A lot.  This particular special was highlighting the life, marriage, and music of Howard and Vestal Goodman.  Many may not know this couples legacy, but let me tell you The Goodmans were staple music in my home growing up, and Allen gets weak in the knees and goes into a crying fit at the mere mention of Vestal's name.  He loves her.
 

If you really listen to Vestal's voice you may realize that as far as talent goes...it isn't overwhelming.  She isn't a Mariah Carey, or someone who has extreme talent.  Now, when I really started dissecting her voice and came to this realization I was flabbergasted.  How in the name of all things southern gospel could I be saying that Vestals voice wasn't overwhelmingly talented.  Ask anyone who likes southern gospel music about Vestal and they may just fall to pieces thinking about her voice they love it so much.  Saying Vestal doesn't have a talented voice is sacrilegious in the southern gospel world.  So, I started thinking...and then Aunt Nanette's conversation from many years ago came into my mind. 

What Vestal may lack in talent she makes up for in presence.  She may not be able to hit high notes and do runs but when she opens her mouth peoples spirits are stirred.  In fact, during the special they had a segment with George Jones.  Some years ago George Jones was horribly depressed.  He stopped all contact with friends and family and those close to him were afraid he may be tempted to take his life.  Then, George asked to see Vestal Goodman.  He wanted to speak with her.  Immediately Vestal came off the road and went to see George Jones.  They had an in depth conversation and George quickly came out of the depression that had taken over his life and music.  When asked about the conversation Vestal stated that she went to George's house and ran that ole devil off.  Well, there you have it.  Later, they went on and recorded several songs together.   Her presence, her voice, her talent, every single bit of Vestal is unique.  She embraced that.  She embraced the fact that God made her different, and because she loved her creator and choose to devote her life proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ he blessed the talent she did have and multiplied it so that it touches all those that hear it.  George didn't ask for Vestal because she was the most talented in the field of music, he asked for her because he knew she had something that could help him in his hour of need.  She KNEW someone who could heal him in his hour of need. 

So while we may not be the best singer, mother, wife, daughter, employee, or person.  We are most certainly unique.  So, instead of trying to be "that" mother, "that" wife, "that" musician, "that" WHATEVER.  Try being the wife, mother, daughter, employee, and person that God designed you to be. Flaws and all.  Embrace the things that make you different, and use that to glorify the one who created them.  Encourage your children to embrace what makes them unique and what sets them apart from others...those differences are there for a purpose and and plan. 

Vestal allowed the Holy Spirit to change lives by being a vessel.  She sang the way God designed her to sing and because of that lives were changed.  Was she the best singer?  No.  Was her voice unique and crafted by her creator?  Yes.

So my prayer is that I allow the tallent God has given me however small it may be and whatever it may be to be multiplied so I can show others the love of my Savior, be a unique vessel that allows my life to lead people to the Savior of the world.