Voices

We had a wonderful time at the wedding of our grandson, Grant, and his bride, Jessica. The ceremony was lovely, with both our son Mark, and my husband having a part. Mark opened in a heartfelt prayer (he only choked up once) for his son's marriage, and Howard closed in a moving prayer that included the Numbers 6, or Aaronic blessing. He had been a little nervous about it, but his voice rang clear and strong over the microphone.

Later, as we were mingling at the reception, we saw several people we had known when we were part of that church about 15 years ago. As Howard was being introduced to someone's friend, the stranger said, "I didn't know you were a disc jockey!" (He isn't.) Many commented on Howard's radio-quality voice. One person said, "Your voice just made a sense of peace come over me!"

"I'm just going to call you 'Silver Throat,'" a voice behind us said as we sat at one of the tables. We turned to see a fellow minister who had served on staff there with Howard way back when. Another old acquaintance said, "I remembered that voice when you prayed!"

It's true. Howard does have a remarkable speaking voice. Perfect for a minister of the gospel. God surely gave it to him for that purpose! He has used it in ministry for the last 25 years, only slowing down a little lately. With all the wonderful compliments (including a few of "Don't you guys ever age?" that made us laugh), it made me say to him, "Maybe you should try to get a radio broadcast again!" He has preached on the radio before, in Mississippi and Virginia.

Yesterday the car radio was on and I tried to identify the familiar-sounding voice as names and faces ran through my mind only to be discounted. Then the speaker began to tell a story about "dream day" at school and I recognized it as the voice of Dr. Mark Rutland, minister and college president.

He was recalling a time in fifth grade when a teacher had the kids share their dreams for the future. He blurted out that he wanted to write books, although he didn't know where that thought came from. She encouraged the children in their dreams, having him write a short story. He now has 14 books, the latest on the New York Times Best Seller list.

My husband always knew he was called to preach, but it took him many years to realize his dream. Now maybe it's time to dream again, for that God-given voice to go out over the air waves to preach the gospel! I'm claiming the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."