Losing Your Voice

Hollywood has lost its voice.  Don LaFontaine, who has died at age 68, voiced more than 5,000 movie trailers.  He was best known for his catchphrase used on several trailers that began with the words “In a world where….”  He was very active as a performer, averaging seven to ten voiceover sessions a day.  Based on contracts signed, some believe he was the single busiest actor in the history of the Screen Actors Guild.  However, LaFontaine insisted he never cared that no one knew his name or face, though millions of film fans knew his voice.

The movie industry will never be the same.  Similarly, it’s always frustrating to physically lose your voice.  You’re unable to communicate and life changes abruptly until you regain your strength.  In addition, there is also the matter of maintaining your voice in a world of varying ideas and opinions.  In order to secure your foothold in society, you must be seen and heard.  You may be a concerned PTA member, band booster, and citizen, but what about being a concerned Christian?

The first-century Christians had no problem being seen and heard.  They may have been imprisoned and persecuted, but – nevertheless – the world heard about Christ!  When Paul journeyed to Thessalonica and preached in their synagogue for three Sabbaths about Jesus, the Jews became so incensed with jealousy and rage they sought to cause harm to he and his companions.  When they could not find him they dragged Paul’s friends before city authorities, saying, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (Acts 17:6).  When you, as a Christian, pass through a place that desperately needs Jesus, are you seen and heard?  Do the lost feel the influence of Christ through you, or have you lost your voice?