Well, this is a little embarrassing and funny. Weeks ago I was riding down the road by myself and a song came on. (I honestly can't remember the song.) And I started singing along, loudly it turns out, and in that moment I strained my voice. I could feel it, noticeably so, right away. It felt like your voice box feels whenever you have a cold … the ol' frog in your throat.
The problem is that it hasn't gone away. There's no pain. But, I can still feel it and it has given me some trouble. It's like my voice feels after I have spent all day doing a lot of public speaking. So, yesterday I went to my doctor and he thinks I have inflammation in my vocal cords. And he has prescribed me to take a break from preaching, teaching, and essentially all talking for at least three weeks. If it does not get better, I will then have to go see an ENT.
Needless to say, this is very frustrating, and inconvenient, especially given my line of work. Having said that, I have not worked out all the details for ministry changes within the church until I can once again preach and teach. All Sunday morning sermons will be covered. All Wednesday night teaching times will be covered. If you need a visit or counseling we can get that covered too (and I may be able to do something but very short). KC will help. The deacons will help. Others will help. It's once again a good opportunity for our good folks to step up like they always do.
Please pray for me. Pray for my voice to heal. Pray for me to do what I need to do to facilitate that healing. Pray that I would not get impatient and frustrated. Pray for those “covering” for me. And pray that it would not get worse, to the point of requiring surgery, or even having permanent damage. This is why it is important for me to get this right. Long term, I could have permanent damage if I just keep going and I don't want that for sure.
Thanks for your prayers and understanding (I may not be able to do something I normally do or help you in some way you need it). It is a privilege to be your shepherd.
Complete in Him,
Pastor Brandon