I've got a problem.. - The Firearms Forum

RunningOnMT · 01-20-2012, 03:17 PM

With the exception of one or two Christmas eve services and when my daughters were baptized, I haven't attended church in ages. The reason is that church services make me nervous and uncomfortable for one reason.

While I love the music and hearing others sing, I have a horrendous voice and am embarrassed to sing around other people. So embarrassed the thought of it almost makes me ill. The thing is though, if you don't sing you are extremely conspicuous and I hate to draw the attention of others.

I know people don't care what you sound like and it also seems like being so self conscious is not the correct frame of mind for worship, but I've always been that way. I don't sing in public, I don't dance, and I'm scared to death to speak in front of a group. I also hated chain prayers as a kid. I prayed to God privately, but didn't want anyone else to hear me struggling for the right words to say. Maybe that's why I'm so outspoken on the forum which allows one a degree of anonymity while venting.

I think it was one childhood incident which sparked this discomfort in church. The Sunday school classes in the church I grew up in, used to assemble for a short worship service before splitting up into our individual classes. This one morning the ss director was leading the group in a rousing hymn and prompting every one to sing out. She happened to notice me not singing, out of maybe 60 kids in the youth department. She stopped between verses and spoke directly to me, trying to get me to sing. When I refused she said "If you love the Lord you will worship Him with song", and then "You can't worship God if you don't sing". I felt terrible, like I had committed some great sin by not singing. From then on I felt uncomfortable in church. At the main church service I would always go up to the balcony in the back of the sanctuary where it was easier to not be noticed.

My parents made me attend church with them all the way through school, but once I went in the service I stopped going. That's been about 45 years now without church and without communion.

Now I'd like to find a church, I also want to be baptized because I was just sprinkled as a baby and I don't consider that true baptism. But I can't get over that sickening feeling I get whenever I walk into a room full of strangers and that dread of being noticed sitting or standing there silently while everyone else is singing.

So...I'd like to know if anyone else has this problem and if anyone has any suggestions on how to deal with it (besides years of counseling

).

Juker · 01-20-2012, 03:24 PM

First, a pox upon the woman who singled you out as a child.

Second, there are plenty of occasions when I don't sing at church, and I've been told I'm a fine tenor. Sometimes I don't care for the song, sometimes it's not my key, sometimes I'm just not feeling it.

Third, in Psalm 100 we are told to be joyful - not in tune, or in key, or even knowing the right words.

1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

But if you don't want to sing, by all means, don't sing. There are plenty of folks in our congregation who don't, and no one thinks anything of it.

I appreciate your desire to be baptized. The church I attended as a child didn't perform water baptisms, and I waited until my son was 9 years old and we were baptized together.

jlloyd73 · 01-20-2012, 03:28 PM

Practice in the shower....LOL

"I heard an old, old story.....how our Savior died on Glory......"

I have the same problem, and I have a very good singing voice.....

Bobitis · 01-20-2012, 03:31 PM

Don't sing!

I can't pound a nail straight if my life depends on it. But I can machine a billet of forged steel.

Neither one is gonna happen in a pew.

Can't carry a tune in a bucket? So what? Give those that can the opportunity to do so!

Dude, ya worry too much.

In yer case (and mine), sometimes it's better to remain silent. No harm, no foul as they say.

ampaterry · 01-20-2012, 04:08 PM

In a typical song, some find it in the wrong key, some do not know the song, some never sing. There have been songs where I look around and see everyones mouth moving, but Judy and I are the only ones with WORDS coming out!

But if you can try, Juker is right; make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord!
MANY of us do exactly that!

Baptism?
Man, ANY church should baptize you upon request -
But I know that a lot of them will NOT do this -
Pick up the phone and call a few independant churches in your area and simply ASK them what their requirements are for baptism.
When you find one that only requires you to confess faith in Jesus Christ and that you have made him the Lord of your life, you are all set -

I baptized one man that was a practicing Catholic, but like you, he did not feel like the infant sprinkling did the trick.
He never attended my church one single time other than the Sunday he came to be baptized, and I was very happy to do this service for him.

CampingJosh · 01-20-2012, 04:10 PM

You may fit in well at one of the churches that tends to lower the house lights during the singing. With the lights down low, it's harder to see the people around you (which is supposed to make it easier for people to focus on worshiping).

I am terrible at singing, but I never had anyone in church tell me that I must. It's pretty rare that I do, in fact, though I will often say the words along with the song. It's still a prayerful worship, and I know that God accepts that.

I can't tell you which church that may be, as I'm not familiar with the churches in your area, but I'm sure there are several that preach truth and sing with the lights down low.

permafrost · 01-20-2012, 04:48 PM

Believe me, most people are waay to interested in themselves and how they appear than to be paying much attention to you.

yetiman · 01-20-2012, 04:59 PM

I bet in 99% of the churches you would not be noticed for not singing. It aint anyone's business!

Bobitis · 01-20-2012, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by permafrost

Believe me, most people are waay to interested in themselves and how they appear than to be paying much attention to you.

rosierita · 01-20-2012, 05:19 PM

that's HORRIBLE you were treated that way!

ashley (our daughter) was "called out" in front of an entire church, during the service 1 time. when this happened, she was in the 3rd grade, i believe.. it hadnt been very long since we'd removed her from public school for not being able to read. the pastor knew this & he requested her to read scripture, i believe it was 1 of the psalms IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION!

i wasnt there that day, pretty much because i just quit going...

fortunately for him, i wasnt there.

& it was a total blessing, but she read it PERFECTLY!

heh...

anyway ~ the latest church we've attended was non denominational & had a band, so it was kinda loud & the lights were low. we really enjoyed it. (havent been in about a yr due to them moving farther away & our farm schedule.)

& i'm a HORRIBLE singer.

One Shot · 01-20-2012, 06:20 PM

See if there is a "Vineyard" church in your area. You might like it.

I don't sing either except a few Christmas carols. Most thank me for not singing since I sing in the key of "L". At least that's what they tell me it sounds like.

os

Petergunn · 01-20-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Now I'd like to find a church, I also want to be baptized because I was just sprinkled as a baby and I don't consider that true baptism. But I can't get over that sickening feeling I get whenever I walk into a room full of strangers and that dread of being noticed sitting or standing there silently while everyone else is singing.

So...I'd like to know if anyone else has this problem and if anyone has any suggestions on how to deal with it

You could drive a couple hours north and worship with us

we’re a non-denom that plays contemporary praise music (maybe a little too loud)that’s easy to sing.

Some folks sing some don’t, it’s really all about worshiping God and if you’re doing that internally that’s ok to.

FWIW I can’t sing either so I learned to play Bass and that’s how I worship in church now.

user · 01-25-2012, 07:56 AM

You worry too much. Act on the basis of what you know to be true. Find a church in which the people are active in their love and their relationship with Daddy ("Abba" as Jesus put it). Be with people who help you move forward on your own path, and with whom you can share your assistance. Singing doesn't matter. It's a nice to have, but what the heck - maybe you can contribute in any of a hundred other ways. Someone's got to flip the burgers at the pic-nic, maybe you'll be the insightful person in the congregation that other people can ask for advice; maybe you'll be good at keeping the church library organized. Don't worry so much. Be here now.

carver · 01-25-2012, 08:05 AM

I say let er rip! I can't sing, I'm tone deaf, can't play a single note on an instrument, or sing on key! But I do make a joyfull noise unto the Lord! It may not be sweet, but it's loud!

max johnson · 02-10-2012, 09:51 AM

Your relation to God is what matters. He loves you and wants you to be with him. Being saved is what matters. We all fall short. Just give thanks to him in all you do. Do not worry he understands.

ampaterry · 02-10-2012, 10:10 AM

Spot on, Max -

And WELCOME to TFF!

One Shot · 02-10-2012, 06:32 PM

If you haven't been inside a church building for awhile, it can be intimidating.
Our church tries to be a church for the unchurched and the teaching is very good.

Here is a link to the online offerings. See if you like any of these.

http://www.vineyardotr.org/main/inde...ine-talks.html

RunningOnMT · 02-10-2012, 06:43 PM

Well, Colorado is a bit far to go for church.

76Highboy · 02-10-2012, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max johnson

Your relation to God is what matters. He loves you and wants you to be with him. Being saved is what matters. We all fall short. Just give thanks to him in all you do. Do not worry he understands.

I had esaphagal cancer, and beat it (without chemotherapy). It is no longer thanks to God. I remember when I had it that I could not sing. Like you, I felt at first like many people would notice. However, upon looking around, I realized most people don't really sing anyways. Also, they just kind of stare away thinking about,,,, well only God knows. On day, my wife felt bad because she could not stand in church because her feet hurt her. She was affraid that people would judge her. But I noticed something once again. No one really noticed.

Now, due to past esaphagal problems, I can't sing or my throat hurts. So I rarely sing. Instead I close my eyes, and bow my head, and I listen to the music and find myself praying to my father and praying for others.

There is not one person in any church that is not suffering from something.

Hope that helps,
Jim

One Shot · 02-10-2012, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

Well, Colorado is a bit far to go for church.

Only as far as your computer with the online and podcast options.

jack404 · 02-10-2012, 08:11 PM

Max welcome and 100% spot on

nothing else matters , i'm a bad singer and share this with all

but what the hey i'm making a joyfull noise to The Lord , He never complains ..

76Highboy · 02-10-2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jack404

Max welcome and 100% spot on

nothing else matters , i'm a bad singer and share this with all

but what the hey i'm making a joyfull noise to The Lord , He never complains ..

Ditto on that.

BlackEagle · 02-12-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76Highboy

Ditto on that.

Double ditto.

A friend of mine said he was in a church once where the pastor told the congregation to turn to their neighbors and say "Please excuse my singing". The person standing next to my friend said that there was no excuse for his singing.

Then the pastor said that Psalm 100 said make a joyful noise, if they couldn't manage the tune.

Some said I should sing tennor--tennor eleven miles away

As has been said, be easy. I like what Psalm 45:1 says: "My heart is indicting a good matter. I speak of the things I have made touching the King. When you get excited enough about something, it will just jump out of your mouth--the song, the prayer...

bakerconch · 02-13-2012, 02:19 PM

You are in Akron right? I know that Mansfield is about an hour away but if you ever get the chance to visit Diamond Hill Catherdral and the Living Bible Museum, http://livingbiblemuseum.org/ you will find friendly people that do not care how you sound while singing, or will not care if you do not sing at all. We are friends of many people there as well as the Pastor, Rev. Diamond. You will find people that Love the Lord and each other. I suggest reserving a time for the live Play (a great meal is included) which is done on Saturdays, and taking a tour of the Museum. If you get the chance to make it, ask for Dwayne and Toni and tell them Steve from Fl. said hi.

Neverhome · 02-18-2012, 02:27 PM

When you sit in His presence, he will work within you even if you don't feel it. Remain silent if you wish and open your mind. Eventually you will hear his words within your heart. Your personal relationship with Him is not dependent upon whether you sing or not. He reads you heart, not the quality of your voice. The mere fact that you posted your concern here tells me He is working within in you and drawing you near. Rejoice and be comforted in that. Remember His timetable for things is vastly different than ours.

Neverhome

01-20-2012, 03:17 PM	#1
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	I've got a problem.. With the exception of one or two Christmas eve services and when my daughters were baptized, I haven't attended church in ages. The reason is that church services make me nervous and uncomfortable for one reason. While I love the music and hearing others sing, I have a horrendous voice and am embarrassed to sing around other people. So embarrassed the thought of it almost makes me ill. The thing is though, if you don't sing you are extremely conspicuous and I hate to draw the attention of others. I know people don't care what you sound like and it also seems like being so self conscious is not the correct frame of mind for worship, but I've always been that way. I don't sing in public, I don't dance, and I'm scared to death to speak in front of a group. I also hated chain prayers as a kid. I prayed to God privately, but didn't want anyone else to hear me struggling for the right words to say. Maybe that's why I'm so outspoken on the forum which allows one a degree of anonymity while venting. I think it was one childhood incident which sparked this discomfort in church. The Sunday school classes in the church I grew up in, used to assemble for a short worship service before splitting up into our individual classes. This one morning the ss director was leading the group in a rousing hymn and prompting every one to sing out. She happened to notice me not singing, out of maybe 60 kids in the youth department. She stopped between verses and spoke directly to me, trying to get me to sing. When I refused she said "If you love the Lord you will worship Him with song", and then "You can't worship God if you don't sing". I felt terrible, like I had committed some great sin by not singing. From then on I felt uncomfortable in church. At the main church service I would always go up to the balcony in the back of the sanctuary where it was easier to not be noticed. My parents made me attend church with them all the way through school, but once I went in the service I stopped going. That's been about 45 years now without church and without communion. Now I'd like to find a church, I also want to be baptized because I was just sprinkled as a baby and I don't consider that true baptism. But I can't get over that sickening feeling I get whenever I walk into a room full of strangers and that dread of being noticed sitting or standing there silently while everyone else is singing. So...I'd like to know if anyone else has this problem and if anyone has any suggestions on how to deal with it (besides years of counseling). __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" -->

01-20-2012, 03:24 PM	#2
Juker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Land of Lincoln Contributor Posts: 2,872	Re: I've got a problem.. First, a pox upon the woman who singled you out as a child. Second, there are plenty of occasions when I don't sing at church, and I've been told I'm a fine tenor. Sometimes I don't care for the song, sometimes it's not my key, sometimes I'm just not feeling it. Third, in Psalm 100 we are told to be joyful - not in tune, or in key, or even knowing the right words. 1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. But if you don't want to sing, by all means, don't sing. There are plenty of folks in our congregation who don't, and no one thinks anything of it. I appreciate your desire to be baptized. The church I attended as a child didn't perform water baptisms, and I waited until my son was 9 years old and we were baptized together. __________________ SHOOT FIRST. SHOOT SECOND. MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE THE MAN WHO'S SHOOTING LAST.

01-20-2012, 03:28 PM	#3
jlloyd73 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Contributor Posts: 1,938	Re: I've got a problem.. Practice in the shower....LOL "I heard an old, old story.....how our Savior died on Glory......" I have the same problem, and I have a very good singing voice..... __________________ --------------------------------------------------- The only thing better than good family is good friends. J and D Lloyd Get ready...it's getting "real" and really fast!

01-20-2012, 03:31 PM	#4
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: I've got a problem.. Don't sing! I can't pound a nail straight if my life depends on it. But I can machine a billet of forged steel. Neither one is gonna happen in a pew. Can't carry a tune in a bucket? So what? Give those that can the opportunity to do so! Dude, ya worry too much. In yer case (and mine), sometimes it's better to remain silent. No harm, no foul as they say. __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all

01-20-2012, 04:08 PM	#5
ampaterry TFF Admin Staff Chaplain Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West Tennessee Contributor Posts: 6,376	Re: I've got a problem.. In a typical song, some find it in the wrong key, some do not know the song, some never sing. There have been songs where I look around and see everyones mouth moving, but Judy and I are the only ones with WORDS coming out! But if you can try, Juker is right; make a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord! MANY of us do exactly that! Baptism? Man, ANY church should baptize you upon request - But I know that a lot of them will NOT do this - Pick up the phone and call a few independant churches in your area and simply ASK them what their requirements are for baptism. When you find one that only requires you to confess faith in Jesus Christ and that you have made him the Lord of your life, you are all set - I baptized one man that was a practicing Catholic, but like you, he did not feel like the infant sprinkling did the trick. He never attended my church one single time other than the Sunday he came to be baptized, and I was very happy to do this service for him. __________________ Reason given by one of Obama's more intellectual supporters when asked why she voted for him: *"He gave me a PHONE!!"*

01-20-2012, 04:10 PM	#6
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,798	Re: I've got a problem.. You may fit in well at one of the churches that tends to lower the house lights during the singing. With the lights down low, it's harder to see the people around you (which is supposed to make it easier for people to focus on worshiping). I am terrible at singing, but I never had anyone in church tell me that I must. It's pretty rare that I do, in fact, though I will often say the words along with the song. It's still a prayerful worship, and I know that God accepts that. I can't tell you which church that may be, as I'm not familiar with the churches in your area, but I'm sure there are several that preach truth and sing with the lights down low. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

01-20-2012, 04:48 PM	#7
permafrost Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oklahoma, USA Contributor Posts: 1,776	Re: I've got a problem.. Believe me, most people are waay to interested in themselves and how they appear than to be paying much attention to you. __________________ Stand and Fight

01-20-2012, 04:59 PM	#8
yetiman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Martin, Tn Contributor Posts: 501	Re: I've got a problem.. I bet in 99% of the churches you would not be noticed for not singing. It aint anyone's business!

01-20-2012, 05:19 PM	#10
rosierita Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,218	Re: I've got a problem.. that's HORRIBLE you were treated that way! ashley (our daughter) was "called out" in front of an entire church, during the service 1 time. when this happened, she was in the 3rd grade, i believe.. it hadnt been very long since we'd removed her from public school for not being able to read. the pastor knew this & he requested her to read scripture, i believe it was 1 of the psalms IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION! i wasnt there that day, pretty much because i just quit going... fortunately for him, i wasnt there. & it was a total blessing, but she read it PERFECTLY! heh... anyway ~ the latest church we've attended was non denominational & had a band, so it was kinda loud & the lights were low. we really enjoyed it. (havent been in about a yr due to them moving farther away & our farm schedule.) & i'm a HORRIBLE singer. __________________

01-20-2012, 06:20 PM	#11
One Shot V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 381	Re: I've got a problem.. See if there is a "Vineyard" church in your area. You might like it. I don't sing either except a few Christmas carols. Most thank me for not singing since I sing in the key of "L". At least that's what they tell me it sounds like. os

01-25-2012, 07:56 AM	#13
user Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern piedmont of Va. and Middle of Nowhere, West Virginia Posts: 1,013	Re: I've got a problem.. You worry too much. Act on the basis of what you know to be true. Find a church in which the people are active in their love and their relationship with Daddy ("Abba" as Jesus put it). Be with people who help you move forward on your own path, and with whom you can share your assistance. Singing doesn't matter. It's a nice to have, but what the heck - maybe you can contribute in any of a hundred other ways. Someone's got to flip the burgers at the pic-nic, maybe you'll be the insightful person in the congregation that other people can ask for advice; maybe you'll be good at keeping the church library organized. Don't worry so much. Be here now. __________________ ===== Daniel L. Hawes - 540 347 2430 - HTTP://www.VirginiaLegalDefense.com By the way, nothing I say on this website as "user" should be taken as either advertising for attorney services or legal advice. Everyone having a question regarding the application of law to the facts of their situation should seek the advice of an attorney competent in the subject matter of the issues presented and licensed to practice in the relevant state.

01-25-2012, 08:05 AM	#14
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,538	Re: I've got a problem.. I say let er rip! I can't sing, I'm tone deaf, can't play a single note on an instrument, or sing on key! But I do make a joyfull noise unto the Lord! It may not be sweet, but it's loud! __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

02-10-2012, 09:51 AM	#15
max johnson Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: jax. beach,fla. Posts: 1	Re: I've got a problem.. Your relation to God is what matters. He loves you and wants you to be with him. Being saved is what matters. We all fall short. Just give thanks to him in all you do. Do not worry he understands.

02-10-2012, 10:10 AM	#16
ampaterry TFF Admin Staff Chaplain Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West Tennessee Contributor Posts: 6,376	Re: I've got a problem.. Spot on, Max - And WELCOME to TFF! __________________ Reason given by one of Obama's more intellectual supporters when asked why she voted for him: *"He gave me a PHONE!!"*

02-10-2012, 06:32 PM	#17
One Shot V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 381	Re: I've got a problem.. If you haven't been inside a church building for awhile, it can be intimidating. Our church tries to be a church for the unchurched and the teaching is very good. Here is a link to the online offerings. See if you like any of these. http://www.vineyardotr.org/main/inde...ine-talks.html __________________ OS The most important question you can ever answer: "Who do you say I am?" - Jesus Christ - Luke 9:20 http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A335

02-10-2012, 06:43 PM	#18
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: I've got a problem.. Well, Colorado is a bit far to go for church. __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

02-10-2012, 08:11 PM	#21
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: I've got a problem.. Max welcome and 100% spot on nothing else matters , i'm a bad singer and share this with all but what the hey i'm making a joyfull noise to The Lord , He never complains ..

02-13-2012, 02:19 PM	#24
bakerconch V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: North Florida Posts: 259	Re: I've got a problem.. You are in Akron right? I know that Mansfield is about an hour away but if you ever get the chance to visit Diamond Hill Catherdral and the Living Bible Museum, http://livingbiblemuseum.org/ you will find friendly people that do not care how you sound while singing, or will not care if you do not sing at all. We are friends of many people there as well as the Pastor, Rev. Diamond. You will find people that Love the Lord and each other. I suggest reserving a time for the live Play (a great meal is included) which is done on Saturdays, and taking a tour of the Museum. If you get the chance to make it, ask for Dwayne and Toni and tell them Steve from Fl. said hi.

02-18-2012, 02:27 PM	#25
Neverhome V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Maine Posts: 199	Re: I've got a problem.. When you sit in His presence, he will work within you even if you don't feel it. Remain silent if you wish and open your mind. Eventually you will hear his words within your heart. Your personal relationship with Him is not dependent upon whether you sing or not. He reads you heart, not the quality of your voice. The mere fact that you posted your concern here tells me He is working within in you and drawing you near. Rejoice and be comforted in that. Remember His timetable for things is vastly different than ours. Neverhome