Speaking at MOMS

Today was my first time speaking before a group of women at our MOMS group. I'll admit, in the days and weeks leading up to it I felt a little nervous. In elementary school I was AWFUL at public speaking. I would get so nervous my voice would shake, my knees would shake, my thoughts would be all jumbled and my face would go beet red. I hated it and always did horrible at it!

So you can see why I was a little nervous! I have had opportunities where I have gotten up to speak in front of a group - but it was either a group of kids at VBS, or maybe just giving an announcement of some sort to our MOMS group. But never like this - a whole segment of just me speaking.

This morning I woke up at 4:30am and couldn't fall back asleep. Then while getting ready this morning I felt sort of sick to my stomach. I knew my material well, I had spent hours planning it and typing it. I also felt totally comfortable with this group of ladies - they are all wonderful friends and I didn't feel intimidated by them. So why was I feeling so sick and nervous? I do believe it was just the devil trying to tell me I couldn't do it. Trying to squash my message and break my confidence.

So I sat in the darkness this morning and prayed. I asked the Lord to speak through me and that anything I shared would be glorifying to Him and Him alone. And by the time I finished getting ready and drove there to church I wasn't feeling nervous anymore - but instead was excited! I was ready to share with the ladies and excited for the opportunity.

I won't say it was an award winning speech and if any of you were there I DO NOT expect your applause or praise .... but I think it went well and the funny thing is that it built up my confidence so that the next time I'm asked to do something like this I know I can do it again. With confidence. Not in my abilities or words. But only in HIS. His strength, His words, His power. Thank you Lord!!