Talent

Last night was my youth groups 4th (or maybe 5th...) talent show. It was awesome! The kids in my group are SO talented! I loved seeing all these new acts and seeing people who do them every year. It really was a great night. I sang a song with my band Pineapple On The Go, (we did Don't Stop Believin.) and we actually did the opening act! Despite all the confusing during the soundcheck (don't ask...) we did good! I also did a solo in which I sang Legacy by Nichole Nordeman. But I also did a skit with my brother, Shane. It was my first time doing a skit and everyone seemed to love it. I was actually surprised because acting isn't really my strong suit. I might post some of the videos in another blog post; we'll see.

But during the show we stopped and had some time for prayer and God really spoke to me. You see, lately I haven't felt very confident in my ability to sing. The hard part about being in a church full of talented people is that sometimes you feel that your talent can't compare to others. Or maybe that's just me. But still. There are so many musically talented people in my group and sooooo many singers that sometimes I wonder if people even like my voice at all. Because all the other talent...they just outshine mine. At least, that's what I've been thinking for a while.

I got caught in the trap that "You're not as good as so and so." And I know a lot of girls struggle with that. But that's not true. When I was praying during the show I realized that, God gave me the voice I have. He didn't give me a voice like any of the other girls I know, He gave me mine. Because I'm not meant to be like them. Each person in unique in their own way. Just because we're all different, doesn't mean one is better than the other. I know there are people who like someone else's voice over mine, but God didn't give me this talent to please other people. He gave me this talent so I could praise Him.

1 Corinthians 10:31 says "Now whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Whatever we do should be for God's glory. Whatever your specific talent is, should be used to bring glory to God. I have a lot of passions; singing, writing, photography, gymnastics, and many others. I want to use them to bring glory to God. So whatever it is that you do, do it for God.

I kinda strayed from my point there but I felt that needed to be said. Ok, when I was trying to pick a song for the show I wanted to pick a song that would blow everyone away. I wanted it to be the best act in the whole show. But I prayed about it and I thought...why? Why do I need to impress all these people? By saying that I wanted to have the best act, who would get the glory? Sure I could tell everyone that God gave me this voice and its all for Him but lets get real, I would be the one getting all the glory. Not God. I don't do those shows because I love to entertain people, I do it because I have a love for singing and because singing is even better when people are wanting to listen. I do it because God gave me a voice and I want to sing. That's why I chose to sing Legacy. Because its about wanting to leave a legacy. The chorus says "I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things. I want to leave an offering."

I want to be someone that people remember as a girl who loved God with all her heart. I don't care if you remember my name, I just want people to see as a reflection of Christ.

My voice will never be as good as the other girls I know, but my voice sounds exactly how God wants it to. It took me a while to realize that, but I'm glad I finally did. A lot of the things people said to me after the show played a big role in helping me come to this conclusion so I want to thank all the people who took a few moments to say a simple "good job." and even more for all the people who went above and beyond that. I really needed the encouragement.

But just remember, don't compare yourself to others. Its no good. Thank God for what He's already given you. I'm glad to be in this state of thankfulness; just knowing that God has given me above and beyond what I deserve. I know so many people would kill to have the same voice I have, so I shouldn't be complaining. Remember that God has given you a talent, its unlike anyone else's; thank God for it.