Recently, I heard the story of Julie Andrews losing her singing voice after a botched throat surgery.
For those of you not familiar, Julie Andrews grew up very poor in London. But she gained great renown in Great Britain and throughout the world because of her singing and stage performances.
At age 13, Julie became the youngest soloist to perform for the king and queen. By age 18, she was performing on Broadway. At 22, she starred as Cinderella in a live CBS television broadcast seen by 107 million people. At age 29, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Mary Poppins. And two years later, she starred in The Sound of Music, the biggest hit in the history of 20th Century Fox.
Her career would continue: music, stage, film, television, and activism.
But everything changed when Julie Andrews woke up from a botched throat surgery in 1997 to discover her singing voice was gone.
In an instant, adversity struck. The famous, four-octave soprano voice that she had built her life upon was gone. In her own words, she had lost “her identity.”
She recounts the story during her 2013 Commencement Speech at the University of Colorado. In the midst of the adversity of losing her singing voice, she recalls turning to her daughter and asking, “What am I going to do now?”
Her daughter’s response was the one we all need to hear from time to time. She turned to Julie and said, “Mom, you’ll simply need to find a new voice.”
Since that time, Julie and her daughter have written over 30 children’s books—many of which have been adapted for stage, film, and the symphony. She has also written a memoir of her childhood, Home: A Memoir of My Early Years. And she has continued to star in acting roles on film and television.
She is the epitome of somebody who “found and embraced a new voice.”
I was encouraged by her story.
It has been said that the only constant in life is change. Change is inevitable, it happens for each of us.
Sometimes, that change appears for the better. My cousin who just got married. My neighbor who recently received a promotion and raise at work. Or my son who recently received his driver’s license. Change, in each of these circumstances, it appears, is for the better.
But some changes in life do not seem for the better. My relative who lost his job. My two close friends recently diagnosed with cancer. Our close family friend’s recent divorce. Or my neighbor who buried his daughter at far too young an age. In each case, change has brought heartache and pain—through no fault of their own.
If you are experiencing adversity today, I don’t know if you need some encouragement. Nor do I know if you’d look for me to provide it.
But let me say one thing: You will prevail. You will overcome.
And not only that, you may just find a brand-new voice in the world as well.
Abubakari says
Fantastic,i was totally down .i have to pick my self up.so inspiring
April says
I always read your posts, even if it’s days (weeks?!) After receiving them. This is exactly what I needed today!! Thank you!
Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui says
Thank you. xo
Michelle says
Joshua, this was beautiful! Wonderful words. I always hold the phrase “this too shall pass” close to me, and your words reminded me of that.
I love Julie Andrews and grew up with the Sound of Music and her voice. I was saddened when I heard of her surgery and the loss of her voice…but, when God closes a door he always opens a window.
192.168.0.1 says
I’m encouraged by your words!
Norma says
Loved this!
In cancer circles, they often talk about the “new normal.” But why is this just blindly accept ? I reposted this in cancer fb groups.
AM says
This is so providential that I read this right here and right now!
This year has been one of tremendous stressful change for my family. I cannot even put into words the trials we’ve been through and continue to endure!
Two weeks ago I lost my brother to cancer as well and at the same time had a horrible fall and injured myself. It was terribly painful for me as he has suffered so much over his life and then suffered a year with cancer as well. I mourned his dying when he was dying and now I mourn the loss of him.
I have tried my best to “find my new voice”, but, the year has truly exhausted me physically, emotionally and spiritually at times as well.
I do know that with all suffering comes blessings, so, I am doing my best to look for those blessings.
Thank you so much for this post! It is the motivation to see the beauty in things. Sometimes you just get so caught up in putting out the fires that you lose sight of the beauty of daily life.
Charlene Williams says
Im so sad to hear of what you have been going through. Life’s pain is so intense sometimes that all we can do is hang in and continue to ask God to heal us and bring us past it to a place of inner peace and joy. I will praying for you, dear. ❤️🙏🏻
Judy says
In the process of losing a loved one to cancer…
Will be moving soon and starting a new job.
I am definitely ready to find my new voice.
Looking forward to a fresh start—
Clutter will not be coming along f0r the ride!
Thomas says
So true! Thanks for this. Quit 13 years lasting voluntary commitment some months ago and now intend to create a book. That would not have happened when everything remained as it was. The change freed up time and a huge amount of energy although it was a tough process to part with it in the first time.
Kelly says
I have been seeking opportunities and waiting for direction for some time now, and am encouraged by your words as I seek the new voice that God has for me.