Hey, I know that voice!
I watch a lot of YouTube, maybe too much. In recent years I have become increasingly frustrated with the bootleggers’ hijacking channels and mimicking speaker’s voices through AI.
The other evening, I searched for a particular channel I had listened/watched regularly for a time. What popped up was a constant stream of fake: the videos behind the speaker had nothing to do with the message and the voice…the voice was the tell all. I finally gave up until a more convenient moment to check the official website to connect to the authentic YouTube channel.
But before I logged off, it hit me loud and clear: I knew what genuine was based on knowing the speech pattern, the syntax, and the speed and pacing of the original speaker. I was reminded that Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice and another they will not follow.”
Sheep are voice activated: The shepherd constantly makes sounds so the sheep know the proximity of their caretaker. That’s what Jesus meant; the voice recognition of syntax, speed, pacing, and patterns will have sheep trailing behind to stay close to their security.
My mission of late has been learning to know the authentic voice of the Lord apart from my own voicing of wants or guilt trips and suggestions of others; voices that insist I follow a path not meant for me.
I’m learning every day to know the voice of my Father. That’s the thing about learning a new habit: there are slipups, and times my voice overrides the only one I should follow. But He never stops speaking so I can recalibrate like a GPS system.