"Voice," as a noun, comes from Old French (13c), "voiz" meaning "voice, speech, word, saying, report." As a verb it means, "to express, give utterance to" using vocal cords.
Obviously, my voice is a necessary instrument in conducting my classes. I rely on it to utter instruction, illuminate ideas, and use tone and inflection to convey my excitement reading and appreciating such works as "Beowulf" and Greek Mythology, presently.
In the past, my sister (back in our college days) and I were heavily involved with singing and performing gospel concerts. We always had to take care of our voice and sometimes the quality and volume were put off with a bout of soreness or an over extension of our vocal cord use. The purity of our voices may have suffered but never the distinct quality and unique sensibility our harmony brought to bear; individually our voices were different, however, together they blended into something pleasing.
An interesting paradox about someone's voice is it can have the same potentially profound impact when unified collectively with other voices and singularly; a single voice can be just as powerful in its impact because of its authenticity, message. and ability to inspire.
We have witnessed this power over the past few weeks in the voices that have been lifted up in unison expressing concern, support, and love to the McKnight family. Doug's family, friends, students, colleagues, and even those who have been following his story on social media all have made a point to use their voice to acknowledge their support to and for the family---they, given their individual and collective voices, have created an encouraging rallying cry for Doug's better days ahead. There is, indeed, a power in this type of compassionate expression.
I may have lost the sound of my voice, however, no one can truly take a person's authentic voice away. It is distinctive, personal, and like no other. Even an unborn child can recognize the unique voice of the mother. It's the genuine coherent verbal form that can advocate, care, and inspire. "A loud voice cannot compete with a clear voice, even if it's a whisper." (Barry Neil Kaufaran)
We use our voice for many things, hopefully, it is for the building up as opposed to the tearing down, for unifying toward a common good and purpose as opposed to being divisive for selfish reasons, for expressing what is possible as oppose to what is not. Our voices are powerful instruments, they possess the potential for both good and ill. We need to not take for granted all that they are capable of.
You have a unique voice. Take tender care of it. Use it for good...it matters. Don't lose it.
P.S. Just 'heard' Doug's voice, how sweet his sound!