In 2004, I spoke to my first class of 2nd graders about disability awareness. I'm not sure if that qualifies as public speaking, but it was where my side venture of talks began. Since then, I have spoken in several grade schools, colleges, and churches. However, this week was a new experience that I wasn't sure what to expect.
Sometime in May, I received a legitimate message through my website asking me to speak. The venue would be a ladies' group that gathered once a month at a church in a nearby town. I wasn't told a topic other than myself and to bring copies of my book to sell. We arranged to meet at the end of June, the week after vacation. However, that was when I wasn't feeling well and needed frequent suctioning. I felt bad doing it, but officially cancelled the day before I was scheduled.
The new time to meet with this group was Thursday, July 31. I do not like talking about myself, at least as a main topic for speaking. I know this blog is all about me, but this is a different setting. Proverbs 27:2 says to let someone else praise you and not your own lips. Instead of just telling my story, I tied in Jeremiah 29:11 and that God uses all of our lives in various ways.
In all, it was about 20 ladies who were well beyond retirement age. Apparently the time in June had been promoted more and had nearly 30 attendees. Without really knowing what to say, or for how long, it went pretty well. I likely should have spoke a little longer, but I'm not sure my voice would have been able to continue.
Public speaking is a top fear for most people, but it's something I find fun. Living the quad life is full of unique opportunities and I enjoy helping others learn and see more of God's care in our life. A similar venue may be interesting, but I will see what God brings.
