Faith, Marriage, Off Trail Musings

I Lost My Voice

Hiking Holly

For the past couple of weeks, I have felt a nudging to spend some time writing again.  I have told God that I have nothing worthwhile to write about.  He seems to think otherwise.

You see…I lost my voice. And I didn’t just lose my voice, but most importantly, I lost myself too.  It happened so gradually and covertly that I didn’t even really notice.  And when I finally did notice, I was surprised! God and my family were not.

I loved my career in vocational ministry.  Specifically, women’s ministry.  I oversaw a thriving ministry at a large church. I spent 19 years pouring myself into this ministry, with the last 6 of them becoming the pastor to all these amazing women.  It was awesome! I truly felt it was my calling and I got to use all the gifts that God gave me.  

I also fell in love with backpacking and hiking.  I was the one that actually talked my husband into it.  He quickly found joy in this new hobby as well.  We craved that time we had out in the backcountry. No cell phones, emails, or worries about the “real world”.  It could just be the two of us hiking for hours and barely speaking a word to each other.  It was heaven! I started a blog and enjoyed documenting our adventures for others to follow along from the comfort of their couches.

I used to lovingly and painstakingly plan out our trips to the most microscopic detail.  My husband’s job at that time was mentally and physically demanding, so I really looked forward to our times away. Those were the times that I got my husband back.  The one I married over 30 years ago.  The spontaneous, adventurous, humorous guy I fell in love with.  We completely reconnected on those trips and we both eagerly looked forward to them.

Then a funny thing happened…things started to shift.  The ministry I was overseeing was growing, but my staff position was not going to.  I had always grown up hearing that actions speak louder than words, so I just worked harder and longer hoping someone would take notice.  I would be appreciated.  The ministry I was overseeing would be appreciated and could get more staffing. And when none of this happened, I still worked on and pushed harder, because I am working for God, right?  I have a job many others want to have. I love my job and all the women I oversee. I’m living the dream!  I am “on call” 24/7 for what anyone needs me to do.  I am ignoring my family.  My marriage is taking a huge dive. I no longer have the time to do the things I once loved to do.  I have no time for friends (unless you are part of the ministry or a co-worker). I desperately dream of hiking trips, but fail to plan them well.  When we do go hiking, I’m still on call and working. I am no longer present in any moment. I am not sleeping well or eating well.  I no longer belly laugh or laugh much at all. I am crying all the time (and I’m not a crier). I am living in a complete fog. But not many know it, because I just keep on going or the ones who do know, think I will be fine.  Because I am always fine. I always have it together. Until I don’t. I’m drowning and no one is throwing me a life preserver. Finally…I sit down and try to put my thoughts into words and I am totally empty.  I have nothing to say.  I have lost my voice and I have totally and completely lost myself.

God, my husband, and much wise counsel made it clear to me that it was time to step back and step out of my job. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. Since then, I have been grieving a huge loss. The loss of my church, my career, my co-workers, and even some friends. It is a painful process to be put through God’s refining fire. I think anyone who has gone through it, does not have fond memories of it. At first, I could barely get out of my pajamas or stop crying. But ever so slowly, over these past couple of months, some of the fog is lifting. My family is finally seeing glimpses of “me” again. I laugh now, but still cry often. On good days, I can look back and see how unhealthy my situation was. I now try to sleep when I need it and I take joy in the simple things in life…cause every day is a Saturday for me…Ha Ha! I have decided to call 2018/2019 the dark years and as I enter into 2020, I have many changes ahead that scare the crap out of me. I am not good with big changes, but God is. We are entering a new season in our lives. It is soo hard to let go of the familiar. For what I know is safe and I have control over. To let go of relationships and possibly saying “goodbye for now” to family. But I don’t want to have any regrets that I did not live this next season of life to its fullest. I want to give God all the credit for where He is taking us…physically and spiritually. I am praying that it is full of backpacking, hiking, and lots of adventures. I am ready to find my voice again. I am ready to write again. And I am ready to discover the new and “refined” version of me.

Published by Hiking Holly

Hi, my name is Holly! I’m a female hiker and recently full-time RV’er who records stories about life on and off the trail for fellow enthusiasts and armchair hikers/RV’ers alike. As an empty-nester mom and wife in my early 50s’s, I love exploring God’s majestic creation with family and friends. I’ve learned to enjoy the journey, and not just the destination as I’ve walked through seasons that have pushed my limits, renewed my soul and created a longing for the deep respite that only the solitude of wilderness can provide.

24 thoughts on “I Lost My Voice”

  1. I am so excited for the adventures this New Year holds for you!! You know how wonderfully “drastic life changes” have worked out for me, and I have met so many people throughout my travels with the same basic story. The “still small voice” of God is alive in us all and once we can really hear it – and hear ourselves – magic happens! Much love and magic to you in 2020 my friend,
    Sabrina

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  2. A very awesome blog. You know that your father and Julia love you very much. If there is anything we can do please let us know. God will walk by your side through all of your trials and guide you.

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  3. Thanks for sharing so openly. I’m sorry for the pain you have experienced (& are still experiencing). You are gifted & loved. And I’m here if you need me. 💕

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  4. This really touched and affirmed me. Appreciate that you took the risk to share this, Holly. Admire and appreciate your ministry giftedness.

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  5. I love your first post of 2020! Knowing some of the details of what you’ve been through, saddens me once again to hear your pain. However, it’ll be incredible to look back in a few months, a year, and in several years, the distance you’ve traveled both physically and spiritually. I know God will be watching over you and guiding you. I pray you have the adventure you are looking for and one that will awaken your soul and your voice once again. Miss you already!

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  6. Holly, our lives have seasons, some happy, fulfilling, & what we imagine we will do the rest of our lives. Then God has other plans & they may turn our lives upside down, but if we just keep looking to Him for our strength & remember what He has already done for us we will survive. Trust Him, as I know you do. Change can be so hard, but He is there with us. He still has much & most likely better things for you to do.
    Love n hugs,
    Debby

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  9. Oh Holly, isn’t it funny how when we finally come to the end of “ourselves,” God is always there to gently reveal His new plan for us! I have SO been where you’re at, several times in my life and you are SO right my friend, often times God has to remove ALL the distractions, “obligations/commitments” in our lives so we can “see” the new direction He wants us to go! You have served and blessed SO many in you devoted years of ministery at NCC and I personally look forward to seeing/ reading about the great things hiking, writing, traveling, grandma Holly will do!❤

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  10. I needed to hear your voice!! Thank you for sharing Holly. Awesome blog! He has great plans for you and so many new adventures. Can’t wait to hear about them!

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  12. Holly, vulnerability is so needed in the body of Christ. Thank you for your “voice” and your service to His call these past years.🙏
    I so look forward to how He uses your gifts and talents to “speak” into the lives of those He brings in this new season of your life. ❣️
    You are not alone my sister. He is calling many … to be still and Know He is God….
    In quietness and trust we find Him and His strength…and then we surrender and begin this new chapter . Loving you.

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