Humbled

 As part of my teacher education program in college, I had to take a public speaking class.  I do not enjoy public speaking in any form. This class was painful. Painful. I dreaded every. single. moment of that class.  

I celebrated when that semester ended, hoping I would never have to do any type of public speaking again (besides standing in front of 5 and 6 year olds).  

Last week, our pastor approached Lance and asked him if we would give a stewardship talk in church.  My reaction, as you can imagine. was NO! Absolutely not.  There was no way I was getting up in front of church, both services, to talk about stewardship (specifically tithing).     

As my husband gently reminded me we are called to step out of our comfort zone and do things that might make us squirm a little.  

I finally agreed to do the stewardship talk. Then I began to feel sick to my stomach, I couldn't sleep, and I was completely anxious for the next few days anytime I thought about it. I prayed I wouldn't pass out in front of the church. Or fall down the stairs. Or vomit.  

Last night as we entered church for our Financial Peace class (more on that later), a woman approached us.  She had tears her eyes and proceeded to tell us how that day her husband went home, worked on their budget and put in a tithe for the first time.  It is an act of faith for their family because on paper the ends are not necessarily going to meet.  I am praying that God will bless them abundantly this month so they can see the fruits of being faithful.

We almost didn't share our story because of my fear of public speaking.  Because I didn't trust that God would use us or give us the words to tell our story and touch lives.  I am thankful we had this opportunity.  I am thankful for the lesson I learned in stepping out of my comfort zone. I am thankful for being humbled.