February 1, 2024

I could easily say that this story is one of my favorite Keeton moments, but that would be the case with every Keeton lesson. This sweet bundle of energy and joy taught me so much in his short 11 years. February's lesson is for everyone.

February's Keetonism: Speak up. God gave you a unique voice, so use it.

Now, I am sure you can tell that Keeton could be a bit dramatic at times. When a thought or revelation hit him, he could not contain his enthusiasm. It just bubbled over sometimes. Other times, it was like a geyser. February's lesson is a geyser moment.

Another thing you may have realized is Keeton was a champion for the underdog. It may have something to do with his physical size, but in looking back, I believe the mindset was a part of his calling. He celebrated everyone's success and believed everyone could have victory no matter what odds were stacked against the person. He expected to walk in victory and he expected others to walk in victory. Keeton was his own greatest cheerleader, as well as everyone else's. He had no shame in cheering very loudly. At a young age, he learned that others' success did not hinder his success. In fact, he realized that he succeed more when he encouraged, cultivated, and celebrated the success of others. Unfortunately, we live in a world where adults do not grasp this lesson. 

Back to the story. Here I am giving you Keeton's lesson, but haven't even told you the story.  I am going to add some commentary in red to help you visualize this conversation with Keeton. 

Ayden: mommy had do you spell ‘guess.’

Me:g-u-e-s-s

Ayden: wait, there’s a ‘u’ in there?

Me: yes. It is silent.

Keeton: hold on just one single minute. (Imagine Keeton holding up that little hand. For those who are not aware, when Keeton had a question, he took control of the conversation.)You mean to tell me that I have been spelling that word wrong all these years? (He acted as if he was so old, but he was only 8-years-old.)

Me: if you have been leaving the ‘u’ out all these years, then you have been spelling the word wrong.

Keeton: oh man! That ‘u’ was so quiet I forgot he was even there. I’mma need these silent letters to start speaking up if they want to be cluded in the spelling of words. They can’t complain about not being cluded in words when they don’t use their voice. Mama, can’t we make ‘em speak up and express their sounds. Those silent letters just need to be the best versions of themselves and let the world hear them sing! God gave them unique sounds so they just need cept it and sing. In fact, I’mma sing a song. (Now, Keeton talked with his hands, so the more emotion in his speech, the bigger the arm movements. In fact, he just about took Ayden out a couple of times in this conversation.)

Ayden: I just needed to know how to spell a word and there he goes. Where’s the pause button on him? (Ayden was fully aware of Keeton's tendencies to take over conversations in such dramatic ways. He did try to rein his brother in at times. Sometimes he was successful at calming Keeton's antics, but other times, Ayden just let Keeton go. In this case, Ayden just wanted Keeton to pause long enough for me to help him spell. Keeton saw this opportunity as a platform to share his thoughts.)

Keeton: Oh Aydie! Sing with me! “I love rock n roll. Put another dime in the jukebox Aydie! I love rock n roll so come and take time to sing with me!” (Keeton knew full well how to get pull on Ayden's big brother heartstrings. All he had to do was call him 'Aydie,' and Ayden would just melt. Ayden was also easily embarrassed by some of Keeton's expressions. This particular conversation happened in the car while Ayden was working on homework. Plus, this also indicates how quickly Keeton could move on. Once he said what he needed to say, he was ready to move on.)

Ayden: (shaking his head) those are not the words. Mama make him knock it off! (I will say that the song continued as we got out of the car and went into Sweet Frog. Hence Ayden's request for me to stop Keeton from singing so loudly.)

Me: I can’t. Just think Ayden, God handpicked Keeton just for us kiddo! (The interaction ended at this point, but Keeton continued making up words to the song "I Love Rock N Roll." Ayden didn't join Keeton in the shenanigans, but he sat beside him and enjoyed his dairy-free dessert. There was a time when Ayden would have tried to crawl under the table, so this was progress!)  

Just as each alphabet letter has a unique sound, God has given each of us a unique voice. God does not intend for us to sit silently in the background. We have been designed, created, and called for a specific purpose, and we are supposed to walk in that purpose.  Not only are we supposed to walk in the purpose, but we are to walk with confidence. Our confidence comes from the knowledge that we are who we are because God is who He is.  

Keeton was learning to walk in that confidence. Keeton didn't like that he was so small, and he certainly did not like how he had to work so hard in school. During the school year, Keeton realized he was designed by the great Creator. He knew that God didn't make mistakes. He learned to use his size to his advantage on the basketball court. He also began to advocate for himself when it came to learning. While learning did not come easy to him, he knew exactly what he needed in order to be successful in the classroom. He could confidently speak to his teachers about when he was having a difficult time and let them know exactly what he needed in order to master the material. He began to use his voice.  

Even though Keeton was referring to the physical sound, your "voice" may not necessarily be your actual physical voice. Yes, Keeton was using his physical voice to advocate for himself, but he was using his voice to write songs about the greatness of God. His songs talked about overcoming fear, finding joy, and living for God. 

Right now, writing is my voice too. To truly understand how I feel, a person has to have experienced what I have experience. Often times it feels like I am a lone wolf because I would never want anyone to experience this heartache and pain. Writing lets me share my journey. Writing also serves as a voice for Ayden and Keeton since they can not longer speak for themselves. I share their testimonies and tell their stories to ensure their voices are still heard. And more importantly, my voice points directly to God and how He is turning this tragedy into good. I still cry every day. I still miss them 

Your voice doesn't have to be standing in front of crowds sharing a sermon. Maybe your voice is playing an instrument. Maybe it's acts of service. No matter what "voice" you have been given, God gave it to use to further the kingdom. I will leave you with this thought: Have you used the voice God gave you to reach the world for Him today?