Whispers I hear...

 This week was the calm after the storm of the previous week.  There are always speed bumps and U-turns in the week, but for the most part it was relatively calm. Things went as expected...which was great...

But...you knew it was coming right?  It's not a bad "but", but there is one.  I'm gearing up for something outside my comfort zone next week. I'm presenting a presentation that I am passionate about on a platform far bigger than I am used to...to an audience that has more years of experience, more articles written, more pedigree (as in Doctorates), and more knowledge than I can even imagine.  And as the reality grows nearer, I have heard whispers of:

*You're not good enough.

*You're out of your league.

*Who do you think you are?

*You are a peon compared to the other presenters.

*This is your 3rd year in your job and only a year out from your degree--you're not qualified.

*What if you fail?

*What do you truly have to offer?

*Will anyone even show up?

*What were you thinking when you applied for this?

And I can't say that I've defeated those thoughts and whispers...they keep creeping back in, but as I've prayed about it, as I've listened to those people I trust both in and out of my profession, as I've tried to take the time to breathe and not panic...I've also heard whispers that I believe God is whispering to me. God has been whispering:

*I will provide for you and I am enough, even if you don't feel that you are.

*You have something to offer.

*I have given you a passion for this for a reason and you MUST use it.

*You are a child of God...THAT is who you are!!!!

*You may be a newbie, but I am working in you to bring a fresh view and perspective.

*If you fail...who cares, you'll never see those people again (I mean, God does have humor, right?)

*I have called you to this and if only 1 person attends...that is who needs to hear your message.

*No matter what, I've got you and have something to teach you in this process.

*I will not leave you alone, but will stand with you in your passion for helping others.

So...am I nervous still? I sure am.  But this week I've grown EXCITED!!!! I love learning. I love teaching. I love my job and my students.  I have a heart for those that I'm speaking about and I have a hope and vision for the change that I want to see.  How could I not be excited to share all of that, whether it be with 1 person or with 100+ persons (gulp)?  God will use me somehow. HE will be enough. He will be present. And He will be glorified in my obedience and passion to love like Jesus loves. I'm wondering where God is waiting to use YOU...what is He whispering to you? What is he asking you to trust Him with?  Are you willing to listen to His whispers or the lies of the enemy?

P.S. If you are a pray-er...feel free to send some my way. I'll be presenting on Saturday, April 1 (no joke) and I can't wait to see what God does through me.