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.
Sherry says
I find myself at the latter part of my career facing struggles that are almost indefensible. Especially as a Christian, I strive to live in peace “with all men.” You’ve reminded me of that old adage, “the one constant thing that remains is change; change is inevitable.”
Thank you for your words today. They have been an encouragement to me. God bless.
Linda says
Isn’t it wonderful that God never changes the same yesterday today and tomorrow! Always there for us. Call upon Him while there is still time.
sandra says
This is very inspiring! So beautifully written as well. I didn’t know her story. But thanks for the reminder, we “just need to find a new voice”.
Christina says
You are an inspiration to me. Knowing that people, like you, exist somewhere in the world (far away from me, my country, my culture, my experience) and still so close to my heart: that gives me great hope. And encouragement to change. Thank you.
a simple living journey says
What a truly beautiful post today.
It is often through the difficulties of life, especially the really big ones I have found myself that I emerge changed. Whether it be a different perspective, a new understanding or even a brand new direction in life. Sometimes because the old road has closed behind me in a manner which is out of my control or because my values have shifted and so I have adjusted my path in which to align with that. Adversity has a way of teaching us things in a way we seem to glide over when we are in a comfortable place.
There is an amazing Aussie journalist come author Leigh Sales who has just brought out a book that speaks into this topic. “Any Ordinary Day – Blindsides, resilience and what happens after the worst day of your life.” I’m yet to read it but I know a little of her story and it promises to be an inspiring read.
Cynthia Welch says
Such a boost! I had not heard this about Julie’s life. Reminds me of artist Phil Hansen – an astounding rebound.
Jess says
I really needed this today. Thank you.
Jess says
I really needed this today. Than you.
JOY BIER says
Always encouraged by your articles. Keep writing and thank you!
Kim says
Thank-you !
Janet Jackson says
Joshua, my father is declining from lung cancer that has spread to his brain, liver, and many bones. It’s heartbreaking for me and my siblings. We’re trying to care for him in his home and today was just so hard for me. We may have to put him in a nursing home. I appreciate your article. I will get through this.