How Are You Using Your Voice?
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
― Edward Everett Hale
Two and a half decades ago, a group of 25 queer women in Kansas City formed a chorus, so they could come together in a safe and welcoming space and use their voices to make beautiful, meaningful art. Since then, the Kansas City Women’s Chorus has grown to include over 150 voices with almost 1,000 alums. The group embraces people from all walks of life, gender identities, ethnicities, races, ages, sexual orientations, and belief systems. Performance music is intentionally chosen for each concert season with composers, lyricists, and songwriters from minoritized groups given preference. In addition, members participate together in social justice causes; it is a choir of activists and advocates. For the past three years, I have had the honor of being part of this powerful group, and it has brought me healing, connection, and purpose – a way to use my voice in alignment with my values.
So many over the years, and so many today, have not been allowed to use their voices or are unable to speak out because it’s not safe for them to do so. As followers of Jesus, it is a core faith practice for us to use our voices on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the marginalized. At Peace Church, there are so many ways to do this! I am continually amazed and inspired by the opportunities Peace Church offers us to find and use our voices through ministry, outreach activities, social justice activism, worship, and community caring.
How are you using your voice? What’s one thing you can do? Maybe it’s calling that friend who is hurting and sharing a word of encouragement. Maybe it’s joining a protest for an hour or two. Maybe it’s contacting your representative or senator. Maybe it’s getting more involved at Peace Church. Maybe it’s intercessory prayer. Maybe it’s donating money or time to a group speaking out on behalf of a cause that’s important to you. Maybe it’s fully embracing your own truth, then speaking and living authentically. Maybe it’s making art and music. Whatever it is, don’t wait.
Holy One, you sent us your Word made flesh, Jesus, who modeled a life using his voice with purpose, compassion, and transformative action. Embolden and empower us to use our voices likewise. Amen.
Roxanne is a singer, speaker, consultant, and coach seeking to use her voice each day to support liberation, transformation, healing, and well-being. She is deeply grateful for Peace Church Zoom worship, which is where you will most often see her on Sunday mornings.