I am always amazed when I hear people, like in the video below, share their stories of how they push through their anxieties to do what they love. The first time I saw this performance I remember thinking, "If she can do it, why can't I? I want to do that!" of course my next thoughts became, "I could never get up in front of all those people." "I would get buzzed off the stage after two notes." "I am just not good enough to do something like that." "Good thing I am too old to audition for 'American Idol' because I wouldn't even make it through the first round." I know I shouldn't pay attention to those kind of thoughts but I do.
I am reminded of the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30:
14- For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15- And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16-Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17- And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18- But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19- After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20- And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21- His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22- He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23- His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24- Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25- And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26- His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27- Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28- Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29- For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30- And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote: “Each person in this life is endowed with those talents and capacities which his pre-earth life entitle him to receive. Some by obedience to law acquired one talent and some another.”
In modern revelation the Lord affirmed the principles in this parable: “But with some I am not well pleased, for … they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. … Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known” (D&C 60:2, 13).
In many ways, I am like the man with one talent. Although I enjoy singing along to the radio, with my family, and occasionally in church, I mostly hide my talent. I also enjoy playing the piano, but because I have never had official lessons and don't do well when it comes to playing for other people, I don't allow many people to know of this talent. I need to quit hiding my talents and share them with others more often. I'm just not sure how to go about it.
I hope that I can get the courage I need to leave my comfort zone and share my talents with others. I want to be able to stand in front of many people and sing. My dream isn't so much to be famous anymore as much as it is to share with those I love. Who knows? Maybe someday that could be me standing in front of the judges and singing and sharing my thoughts and feelings, and testimony, through music. Music is the best way I know to help me through the hard times. Maybe, I can someday help others through theirs.