I like hiding behind my computer. I feel safe there. I can write freely – which I love to do. And then I can edit if I don’t like how I wrote something. Yes, my computer is very safe.
This is why, the past few months as I’ve been invited to speak to a few different groups of women, I’ve really hesitated. I haven’t felt sure that I had what it took to get up in front of people and speak. I don’t care what size the crowd – public speaking has been intimidating to me.
God knows best, however, and He decided to stretch me in ways that He apparently felt I needed stretching. He’s wise and fun like that.
Here is what I have learned through the past few months. First and foremost: I must always have a big bottle of water with me because, wow, my mouth always gets super dry when speaking to a crowd. Next: I may be the one up there doing the talking, but if I can remember to let go of myself (and my nerves), and embrace the fact that the Spirit can take over and do the talking – then we’re really onto something.
Several months ago when I was sharing my desire to simply stay behind my comfortable computer screen and avoid public speaking, my friend Emily said something very empowering to me. “Laura,” she said, “what you do on your blog is wonderful. You have been able to encourage women in so many ways. But just think how much more you can bless them when talking with them face to face.”
Well, shucks. I hadn’t thought of that before. She knew that I had what it took, and I’ve carried that vote of confidence with me ever since.
Satan has still been working to wear me down – just ask those who have had to live with me. I’ve had many moments of being a bit of a basket case leading up to each event, and have, unfortunately, done my fair share of completely freaking out. It has not been pretty, but somehow, my family and friends still love me anyway. God bless ’em.
What I have appreciated most recently is the army of prayer warriors I’ve had behind me. Matt and I took a trip to South Dakota last weekend so that I could speak to a lovely group of ladies there. The week leading up to this event was challenging in many ways, but God continued putting women in my path each day who were happy for me to share my angst. They all pumped me up with encouragement, and more importantly, they promised they would pray.
I wasn’t doing this alone. This has never been about me. God knows what He’s doing every time.
For this, I am thankful.
And as a selfish little aside, I am also thankful that I’ve checked all of my speaking engagements off my calendar for now. Yep, here I am, waving from behind my safe little computer screen. Stretching has been nice, but relaxing again back in my comfort zone is awfully nice too. ;)
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Melissa says
Loved your post! I really liked how you said that you let the Spirit doing the talking for you and how you are surrounded with a great group of friends who hold you in prayer. I really appreciate the ministry you have on your blog!
Holly @ Nerdymom Speaks says
It’s tough when God decides to shake us up out of our routines!
Today my post is in tribute to my husband (#2, A gentle, patient man). I often see what he doesn’t do, instead of seeing all that he does.
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home says
You remain one of my favorite bloggers – I love your humor and honesty and would love to hear you speak! I’m sure you’re much better than you give yourself credit! What a blessing to those women you’ve spoken to that you followed the direction of the Spirit and rose to this challenge of being stretched. God bless you and thank you for all the inspiration you provide! Blessings, Kelly
Brooke says
Ditto – would love to hear Laura speak sometime too :)
Brooke says
Thanks for sharing that Laura! May I ask what you’ve been stretched to share about in public? Just curious! :)
This past week I’ve been on a rollercoaster – filled with emotional highs and lows! I’ll have to say that it was not easy to live with me, but I am so thankful to have an amazing husband who has never given up me through my bouts of grief, depression/anxiety, emotional highs, etc… I’m really grateful that I reached out and have been seeking alternative answers that literely helped me take a look inside of my body so I can get to the root of some of my underlying issues. I hope to continue to gain wisdom and insight in order to become a healther, happier, and holier woman for God and my family and friends.
It Feels Like Chaos says
Oh how I love the edit feature, too! Good for you for stepping out of the comfort zone. God IS wise and fun — so true, but how often do we refuse His good and perfect plans for our lives?!
Allison says
If you and Matt ever want to travel a far away place like…Albania, we would love to have you guys do a marriage workshop. It is really needed here. I know it would be more expensive than South Dakota but it would also be amazing.
Shirley says
Laura, I’m so glad you took that step. I admire you and your Heavenly Homemakers website and know that your encouragement and sharing God’s word with other women and their encouragement for you was beneficial. Blessings and prayers your way.
Anne Kimball says
What is it they say?
Let go and let God.
So true. I fought it for a long time when parenting my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Figured mother knew best.
As it turns out, God did.
Dottie says
That is wonderful that you are doing speaking engagements now! Yes, God does like to stretch us now and then, encouraging us to grow. You have a gift of encouragement. Don’t be afraid to use it.
Amy Bradsher says
Don’t blame you a bit – public speaking makes me awfully nervous, too! I’d love to hear you speak, though. Keep it up!
Jennifer says
Thank you for your honesty and encouragement to let the holy spirit lead! I love reading your blog, and I think it would be wonderful to hear you speak, because you are real and genuine, and you love the Lord. Those are the things that truly make someone a good public speaker (in my opinion) : )
Maryann says
Laura,
my sister in Christ, I know and experience the very same thing. May God continue to bless you and strengthen you as you minister to His children!I think the Lord uses those who know they are incapable to present a genuine, credible witness that it is His strength, His grace… for without Him we can do nothing!
Pary Moppins says
I would love to hear you speak so the next time your in Texas, just let me know. We’d love to have y’all come over for coffee and cookies. :)
Angie says
Thank you for doing the link up! And I do enjoy reading your posts…very insightful (and many times saying what I would like to say myself). ;)
Angie
Patty says
God loves to stretch us, in order to make us more like him. As I’m currently walking through a painful season of stretching, I can see God at work, making me stronger and showing his glory all at the same time. Linking up today…..
Kristinn says
Eeks! I would be shaking in my boots. Surprisingly I can sing in front people all day long, but get tongue-tied if I have to speak.
Bless you for being willing to step out to share with others!
Holly @ My Plant Based Family says
I love your honesty Laura! I am hard to live with sometimes too. I pray that God would bless you and continue to send others to encourage you and lift you up. To His glory!
Lisa says
Praising the Lord for the opportunities he’s opened up for you, Laura! I’m scheduled for a public speaking engagement next month for our church’s ladies b’fast — keep me in your prayers! I teach public speaking, yet it’s one of the things I fear most! Training our children in this skill early is so important (I tell mine all the time, “You don’t want to have the fear that I have as a grown woman! You’ll be soooo glad I made you do this!”
Sharing a post about the simple things I’m thankful for. Thanks for hosting!
~Lisa
Tabitha says
You are such an inspiration Laura! And now even more people get to be blessed by you stepping out of your comfort zone. :)
Phyllis Sather says
I’m always blessed when I visit here.
Lydia says
I would love to hear what you all think it means to move in grace.
Kristina says
Good post! I know the feelings that can come before speaking (although it’s something I haven’t done in a long time) and it’s good to hear how others have helped you and prayed for you and the good words Emily had for you.
Charlotte Moore says
I am grateful I am not the one that has to speak in public. HAHA!! I really am!!
Amanda F says
I would be incredibly nervous if I had to speak in front of people too but I’m sure God used you in powerful ways!
Jen says
Thanks, I am so thankful for you and other bloggers who take time to encourage me often in this mothering role!
http://handfullofblessings.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/being-an-intentional-mom/
Ashlyn @Consider the Lilies says
I like hiding behind the computer too! I am such a big chicken when it comes to speaking in front of others! I’m working on it though! Thanks so much for hosting the link up! Would love for you (any anyone else who’s interested!) to link up at my blog as well(http://www.considertheliliesblog.com/2012/04/homemaking-link-up-2.html)
Michelle Eichner says
I’m so thankful for friends who see in us what we don’t and who stretch us! What a great story! Thanks for sharing, and for being obedient to what God has for you! Blessings!
Michelle
Tracy Compaan says
This is so cool! I mean, the fact that you posted about being stretched to speak in public fits right in with what I’m facing right now. My church ladies retreat asked me to lead a workshop on Outrageous Cooking in two weeks! Isn’t that crazy? The whole theme of the weekend is “Outrageous” hence the funny title. Anyway, word got around that I love to cook, and I owe much of it to your influence! The very idea of speaking in public has me very nervous. Hey, I’m the college student who waited until second semester, Senior year to take Speech, with a bunch of freshman! Your post encourages me, so I think I can do it. I’m very interested in knowing what you did speak on, and if you have any advice towards that end. I was planning on doing it on meal planning, then discuss a certain meal in the plan, then introduce making seasonings from scratch, using your recipes of course, and also providing your blog and others as great resources. What do you think? Thanks for this post, it hit the spot! :)