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Singing Our Song

Singing Our Song

Last updated on: March 25, 2021 at 4:27 am by Karl J. Forehand

Singing Our Song 2021-03-21T06:07:04-06:00 Karl J. Forehand

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With Facebook and other social media, we have become accustomed to getting immediate feedback. After we dream and create and refine our work, we take a chance and share it with the world. Often, we get immediate feedback — sometimes it’s helpful. Sometimes it is not.

Social acceptance can make us a slave to creating. It’s almost like we have to keep feeding the beast. Then sometimes are most valuable creations are not received very well. The people that really could benefit don’t hear the message and even though some people applaud, it probably doesn’t change any minds directly.

I find this especially true when I speak to my traditions that I have moved beyond. I long for some of them to come with me. I want to be an agent of change, especially when the situation I grew out of have associated trauma.

So, why should we even try to share our thoughts, inspirations and other creations with the world?

Because we need to exercise our voice. Part of what we are moving away from in a post-Christian world is that only certain people got to speak. It is not just the pastor or certain people that get to speak. Even as a pastor, my voice was limited because I was constrained by the belief system I agreed to. My voice needs to say what my heart wants to say even when it seems that no one is hearing.

Because other people need language for their journey. Occasionally, I hear from people that resonate with what I write or say. Sometimes we can begin feeling like I’m the only one, but when I say what I feel, others find the language to express what they feel inside. I often realize that these people don’t necessarily totally agree, but we are trying to express similar thoughts and ideas to the world and to ourselves — it helps to hear others.

Because our voice is unique. I love it when I meet someone that knows who they are. The other day, a podcaster told me I was very authentic. That was indeed the best compliment! When we know who we are, we can express our unique message to the world. On the other hand, when I see friends that are mimicking others, it just seems empty and void. Each of us has a unique song that can be sung. Without it, the world is incomplete. As Bob Dylan said, “May your song always be sung…”

I’m learning about the universe and how everything is connected. Even when it seems no one is listening, I now believe the universe hears even my energy that goes out with a mission. When I say something, I put in motion things that are hard to explain. What we do affects other things and our voice matters.

My hope for all of us is that:

we find our unique identity
we find our voice
we confidently share it with the world.

In our vulnerability, I hope we gain the confidence to let things happen instead of trying to make them happen and speak confidently even when it seems no one is listening.

Be where you are, be who you are,

Karl Forehand

Support us on Patreon * The Desert Sanctuary Website

Karl Forehand is a former pastor, podcaster, and award-winning author. His books include Apparent Faith: What Fatherhood Taught Me About the Father’s Heart and The Tea Shop. He is the creator of The Desert Sanctuary podcast. He is married to his wife Laura of 32 years and has one dog named Winston. His three children are grown and are beginning to multiply!

The Tea Shop is available – Order now!

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