Yep, you got it … He can use me!
And He did last night. The reason I was feeling so inadequate and humbled was because I had to preach last night.
Yeah … me … PREACH … in our Wednesday night church service.
I felt inadequate because, let’s face it, I’m not a preacher and don’t have much experience preaching.
I felt humbled thinking about where God has brought me from and by how He was choosing to use me … totally out of my comfort zone. I could have sung the whole service and been less nervous, but I don’t think the pastors would have appreciated that. Obviously, they don’t know that the hottest movie ticket right now is a musical.
I actually considered taking Nyquil beforehand … in early enough time for it to kick in and I get that “feeling good” feeling before I went on. Seriously, I stood in front of the medicine cabinet in contemplation. I figured it really wasn’t a good idea, seeing as I had to drive my kids to church.
I didn’t eat a thing since about 10:30 that morning. I thought that was using good wisdom, considering the bathroom issues that might occur.
Before I went on stage, I was a little overwhelmed and your nerves can just freak your body out sometimes. I wanted to just say, “OK, I changed my mind. I can’t do this. I don’t want to do this.”
And I cried.
But, I got myself together and just said, “Lord, You know me. You formed me. You know my abilities. You wouldn’t ask me to do something I couldn’t do. So, I’m giving You all I have and that’s all I can do. Please show up and do the rest.”
And He did and I preached.
I felt pretty comfortable, except for some nervousness, which was evidenced, I thought, by how I couldn’t breathe (probably because my heart was racing). People said they didn’t notice that.
Beau said he got choked up when I started and everyone said how great I did and how proud they were of me. But, I pray, most of all, that God is pleased and am wondering what He’s up to.
TOTALLY SWITCHING GEARS …
18 DAYS ‘TIL “DARE TO WEAR.” WHATCHA GONNA WEAR? GRAB THE BUTTON (DRAG TO YOUR DESKTOP & ATTACH LIKE A PICTURE. PHOTO IS LINKED.) & TALK IT UP. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!
Whoopee! Whaddidyasay? Did the Spirit move? Can we get a transcript of the sermon? Tell all!
I’m sure you did a great job. God equips those He calls. Blessings.
I am so happy that you were given the opportunity to minister.
I read Beau’s facebook status and he is proud of you!!
What did you talk on?
So proud of you!
Can’t WAIT to see what He’s up to…
Way to GO!
It ain’t easy, speaking in front of people. I get nerves every time.
I am POSITIVE that Our Father is incredibly pleased too!
Good for you Mama Belle!
Good for you! I’ve had the opportunity to do that a time or two and the nerves get me so bad each time! It takes me a week or more to get my thoughts put together so that I can sound semi-intelligent about what I need to say. I’m proud of you – it’s a big scary step! 🙂
YEA!!! Glad to hear it all went well! I would’ve loved to hear it…maybe you can give the same thing on your blog so we can all feel like we were there! 🙂
I am loving this…and isn’t it just like God to strip us of US and then show up to do the rest? He has gifted you, sister, no doubt about. So glad you obeyed Him.
Awesome! You go girl (and go God!). What did you preach on?
Go YOU!!
WOW! I understand the nerves, but I also understand how God can take us out of our comfort zone, calm us, and use us in incredible ways! You go sista!
All I have to say is that you are pretty freakin’ awesome to go out of your comfort zone and go through with it because you knew what it meant.
I really feel blessed to know you, even if it is just through our blogs. You always keep thing so real and I appreciate and respect that so much about you.
Awesome-
I am luvin the pic of the donkey!
Heee Haaawwwwwwwwwwww!
Wonderful! I’m sure you did an excellent job and moved in people’s lives!
How cool, Mama Belle! I’m so proud of you – God is using you in so many ways!!!
And, when I get up to do any kind of speaking (granted, I’ve never preached as I don’t think He’d want me to), I just sing that song by Aaron Schust, “Give me words to speak” and somehow He does.
Great job! And, I love that donkey pic!!
Love your blog! I'm in the bayou state too… Had to comment about public speaking…
I recently discovered I needed a security blanket when I preached at our women's conference – A GLASS OF WATER! It's my Linus blankie now – calmed my nerves knowing that I would not die from dry mouth, lack of breath,or shakiness… I love teaching & I love learning what God teaches me during the preparation.
Right now I'm praying for more open doors to minister to women. I would be nervous in a mixed crowd – I've only taught ladies…
I'm a Believer!
Laura
wow!!
I wonder what God has in store for you int he future…
I would LOVE to hear what God had to say through you. I totally miss all the talks we used to have when we worked together back in the day. It seems like God has grown both of us.