Finding My Voice

I’ve always loved Sunday mornings.

Waking up to Bobby Jones playing loudly throughout the house.

The smell of Sunday dinner already cooking before the sun fully rose.

The sound of preparation — church clothes being ironed, voices moving through the house, the quiet anticipation of a day spent in what I had always known as my very first community.

I grew up in pews, choir rehearsals, revivals, Sunshine Band, Sunday mornings, and late-night services. I grew up surrounded by music — born into a musical family, musically trained, and constantly immersed in choirs, harmonies, and worship. Long before I understood purpose, church gave me space to discover my voice.

I still remember being encouraged to sing my very first solo in the youth choir. I was nervous, unsure, and probably trembling the entire time. But somewhere between those wooden pews and choir stands, confidence began to grow in me. I will always be grateful for finding my voice that day.

So when I received the assignment to direct and lead the our children’s choir at my current church, alongside my sisters in Christ—Ingell and Cera, it felt natural — not because I had all the answers, but because the seeds had already been planted in me years ago. Just as my elders helped me find my voice, it was my turn to help children find their own.

We started with maybe 8–10 children.✨

Today, we have over 40 and growing.🙌🏾💐📈

And if I’ve learned anything, it’s this:

Whatever assignment you’ve been given…

Whatever task you’ve been anointed to lead…Whatever dream placed in your spirit…

KEEP GOING.

Some days you’ll feel the growth. Other days will feel quiet, stagnant, even discouraging. But stay the course anyway.

Growth does not always happen loudly. Sometimes it’s happening underground first.

I write about this and so much more in my book, Out of the Yazoo Clay, on presale now. Visit www.theeashleyexchange.com to take advantage of preorder discounts and join our community.

And remember:

Whatever assignment you’ve been given, you were made for this.

Anointed for this.

Chosen for this.

Keep going.

Rooting for you always.

— Ashley 🩷

#OutofTheYazooClay #Presale #FindYourVoice #KeepGoing