So . . . I am about to go into the studio and begin recording some of my songs for our 8th album. As I look back on earlier days of our ministry and listen to my voice in its prime, I appreciate it more than I ever valued it then. I struggled with so much insecurity in myself as a human being—let alone as a singer. And now that I am older, my voice has a lot more ups and downs. In my fleshly self—in other words, ego—I wrestle with all of that, wanting it to be so different.
I see how vastly different is the Lord’s measure of me than my measure of myself
But God, who knows our humanity from the inside out, continues to show that sometimes in the weaknesses and imperfections He can speak more loudly than in my polished moments. This has been true throughout the three-plus decades of Improbable People, but even more apparent in these days. I see how vastly different is the Lord’s measure of me than my measure of myself and, unfortunately, of others at times.
God can speak in the cracks and broken places as much as He can speak in other people’s glorious sounds. And while I recognize the truth of these things I have never become quite comfortable with them. My friend Lynn Cory, founder of Neighborhood Initiative, once remarked that he would rather boast in his weaknesses, like Paul speaks about in Scripture, so that Christ’s power would be all the more upon him.
But as a singer, weakness has never been my goal.
I have needed to sound good and strong in my own ears—and all the more so when people are listening. Yet the irony is, I can never hear myself while I am singing as well as others who are listening.
But as a singer, weakness has never been my goal.
While singing I am hearing all the internal working of the process. Others are hearing only what emerges.
I find it convicting that what I might throw away (there’s that word ego again), another who is listening might truly receive from the music. So then I have to ask . . . am I the best judge of what is good? And who am I serving in my singing—myself or God? These are not questions so easily answered when I have spent a lifetime believing I could hear what is best in my singing,
{PICTURE REMOVED}
So . . . as I look at singing my way through a new album on studio mic, this time around I hope I can keep these things in mind. I don’t hear from the inside nearly so well as what others hear from the outside. And even in the cracks and frailties I regret in my aging instrument, God can pour out anointing and make Himself heard . . . perhaps even more so today than ever before.
Jonathan Farber
Amen 🙏 praying for Gods grace and strength and wisdom throughout this process 🎶🥰🙏😘🤟
Thank you, Dawne!
As always, very grateful for your prayers!!
A long time ago, the L-RD taught me the gifts He gives me are not for me but for the person who needs the gifts. The more I yield to Him the more He can use me for the benefit of the Body of Messiah. Great article! Be blessed!
So good to hear from you, Paul!! I know what you say is true. It’s just not always easy. May the Lord bless you and keep you! Shalom.
Years ago the LORD gave me a vision as I was sleeping. I saw the LORD holding a round embroidery hoop in his hands. He looked at me and He turned the image toward me so I could see it. I looked at it and asked the LORD, what is it? His reply; it’s a People Puzzle. It was the face of Jesus, all of us combined in the image and likeness of His Son.
44 years down the road I am just beginning to grasp the significance of Salvation and the origins thereof.
I was pondering the origin of Salvation this morning. From the LORD’S Throne in Eternity, before time existed, He sent our invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble and heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.”
We serve an awesome GOD.
Hello Sally – Loved your post and can’t wait to hear your next album as soon as it’s available.
Meanwhile, the comparison I’m about to make may be a stretch, but,,,
Your description of your voice as “my aging instrument” immediately brought to Stradivarius violins — other “aging instruments,” centuries older than you’ll ever be, still making world-class music today.
We’ll be praying for you as you’re in the studio, knowing God will be with you there, too, as you lift your voice to Him, for us all
Hi Steve!
I really appreciate the thought, and I get it, but the human instrument is a bit different than cat gut and wood. So I will be grateful for your prayers!! Shalom.
Sally, may His power be made perfect in your weakness.
Sally, many many years ago my wife and I were blessed to hear you perform at our Church in Norwood MA. Maybe 2002? We even created a video without youth group based on Come meet the Author of life. I am so blessed to find your music on Spotify. I am glad you are still in ministry and making music. Thanks