Strength in Silence
How LEELAND’s Journey Inspires Hope for Hard Times
When life throws curveballs, where do you turn for strength and comfort? For Casey Moore and Leeland Mooring of the Texas-based band LEELAND, their faith has been their fortress against the storms of life. Their stories are more than tales of overcoming; they are blueprints for navigating life’s toughest challenges with faith as your compass.
At just 13 years old, Casey Moore witnessed the world as he knew it crumble, as he struggled to survive his parents’ divorce. But through the chaos, he found something most of us spend our lives searching for: peace.
Casey shares, “I had this unexplainable peace … I was able to remain positive through that whole thing … really be the encouragement for my mom and those family members.”
Even in our most vulnerable moments, we can experience supernatural peace.
Casey continues, “It was definitely a time where I could have really sunk pretty low and just been bitter and angry. And I have felt all those things like that. I think that’s good to feel all those things, but I’m not bitter and angry right now because of … the foundation of faith. I really can’t really explain that.”
That feeling of anger and bitterness is part of the human experience, but so is the ability to find peace through faith.
Relationships in Spiritual Growth
Sometimes, God sends us the answers we need in human form to guide us closer to Him. Through his future wife, whom he met at 17, Casey was introduced to a life filled with the Holy Spirit, a concept he was aware of but hadn’t actively experienced.
“She really was the key person that led me into knowing the Holy Spirit,” Casey reflects. Relationships can play a pivotal role in our spiritual growth, encouraging us to remain open to learning from the people God places in our paths.
Challenges as Pathways to Deeper Faith
Leeland Mooring’s challenge came in the form of a polyp on his vocal cords, a daunting obstacle for a singer. Facing the possibility of never singing the same again, Leeland found himself in a season of silence.
But it was in this silence that he encountered God in a new way. “God was just trying to remind me that I’m not a singer, but I’m a son,” Leeland realized.
Our challenges can be divine invitations to deepen our faith and rediscover our identity in God.
Rediscovering Identity in God
Leeland’s journey of silence became so much more than just physical healing; it was a spiritual awakening to his true identity. “I’m not an artist, but I’m just this kid,” he says, reflecting on his realization that God’s love for him is unconditional, not based on his talents or achievements.
For anyone struggling to separate their worth from their work or talents, you are loved by God, not for what you do, but for who you are.
Worship Without Words
Worship is often associated with songs and praises, but what happens when you can no longer sing? Leeland found a unique way to connect with God through whistling.
“I talked to a couple of doctors [and asked,] ‘Can I whistle?’ And they’re like, ‘Yeah, you can whistle.’ It actually doesn’t require any vocal cords to do that,” he shares.
His innovative approach to worship is a beautiful reminder that our relationship with God is not confined to traditional forms of worship. God delights in our creativity and sincerity; however we choose to express it.
Cherishing Gifts and Serving with Purpose
The silence that once threatened Leeland’s career eventually led to a deeper appreciation for his gift of singing. “Every note I sing is coming from a heart of just wanting to please the Lord,” he asserts. His experience teaches us to cherish our gifts and use them with purpose, not for self-promotion or gain, but as an act of worship and service to God.
Practical Tips for Navigating Trials with Faith
Inspired by Casey and Leeland’s stories, here are some practical steps you can take to find strength and comfort in your faith:
- Stay open to learning.
Be willing to learn from others’ experiences with faith. God often uses the people around us to teach us valuable lessons.
- Find new ways to connect with God.
Whether it’s through music, silence, or even whistling, discover personal ways to deepen your relationship with God.
- Remember your identity in Christ.
Your worth is not defined by your circumstances, abilities, or achievements, but by your status as a beloved child of God.
- Cherish and steward your gifts.
Approach your talents as gifts from God, using them to serve and honor Him.
Faith is a living, breathing relationship with God that can sustain you through the toughest of times. God invites you to lean into your faith, to find peace amidst chaos, and to rediscover your identity in God beyond your talents or professions.
No matter what you’re going through, there’s a lesson to be learned, a deeper faith to be discovered, and a closer walk with God to be enjoyed. Embrace your own journey with faith, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
Want more? Check out our on demand resources
Family Life Radio is listener supported. Those who listen give to make the music and content possible to shine God’s love, peace and encouragement into hearts, revealing truths that direct people in the way they should go.
If you feel led to give a gift today to help others draw strength, gain wisdom and experience peace through Family Life Radio click here.