I have an opportunity to speak to a group of women in a few weeks, during a spiritual retreat.  When first asked, I was honored, surprised, and then anxious.  I said I would pray about it and I did.  I also asked my mom and sister for feedback/advice, reminding them that I was not a preacher or speaker.  My mom was very encouraging as mommies are.  My sis, whom God often uses to convict me, sent me a Bible verse:

Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord?  Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”  – Exodus 4:10-11

I replied to my sister with a “thank you very much” and accepted the task.  Of course, if you read on in that chapter of Exodus, God sends Moses’ brother Aaron to help do the talking.  I should remind my sister, Jodi, about that part!

If I think of it as a time to teach other people, I immediately feel Continue reading →