Are you still standing on the mountaintop? 
That’s the question I was asked by friends upon my return from ‘She Speaks 2016.’ Did I have a glorious time of learning and worship? I sure did. It was everything I had prayed for and hoped for. The time I spent with the other 800 attendees was filled with laughter, a smattering of tears during praise and worship, and the realization that my being there was intentional and filled with purpose.
The conference was outstanding in every way, and I experienced session after session of inspiration and encouragement, along with the finest teaching from gifted authors and presenters on how to improve both my writing and speaking.
I found myself digging in the word as I sat through classes, thinking about the messages that were being delivered, and wondering if that was me presenting would I be able to reach my audience the way they had. And yet when all was said and done, I put aside the comparisons and emerged from each session feeling thankful that He had directed my path and helped me choose wisely as I learned through this process.
Over and over again during these three wonderful days, He confirmed to me that I am to tell His story through my experiences. It is His desire for me to be a storyteller and an encourager, whether it be through word or script. He whispered to me that I had found my ‘God’ assignment.
As Lysa TerKeurst and others told us, ‘There is an abundant need in this world for your contributions to the Kingdom.”
So I’ve spent the last few days trying to put into perspective the truths and takeaways from my time there. I’ve compiled my notes, looked back through pictures that included both friends and new friends from my online world, and I even managed to scribble out my thoughts in outline form for where to go from here.
As a first-time attendee I chose the speaker track. I felt comfortable in that selection as I have had years of experience in presenting and teaching audiences. Although I am considered ‘seasoned,’ there’s something nerve-wracking about preparing a message that must meet specific guidelines, be grounded in His word, and include a personal scenario.
Not to mention the challenge of staying within the five minute time limit. Then there was the stress over the word count, making sure I had included the exact passage of scripture that God was calling me to use, and wondering if the real life application and humor would be just the right combination to call it a success. Who knew what would take place?
But that’s where truth meets deception. Not knowing what was ahead would have made it easy to fall into the trap of, ‘I won’t measure up.’ But if I am who I say I am, then I must put my faith and trust where my mouth is. There’s a lot shakiness involved with moving forward into the unknown. And so, I made a decision that I believed to be the right one. I said ‘yes,’ and stepped into the deep waters knowing that Jesus would meet me there.
Everything I bring to this ministry is because of my reverence to God and because of His redeeming grace. Of course it helps that I have a team of cheerleaders who support and help where they can.
So when I ask, ‘who am I and why do I belong here’? It is then I can answer, ‘I am Mitzi, and it’s because God has called me to share His story. He has called this girl from the Pineywoods of East Texas, to reach across the generations to teach His word and promises to help build strength, courage, confidence, and grace in others.
When friends cheer me on and say, ‘you are full of wisdom and confidence,’ it is then I realize the heartfelt connections we have made through our loving God. It is then that I know He wants me to push on.
I am grateful for who He is and what He has allowed me to do. I’m grateful for the strength and grace He has poured through me. And most importantly I am grateful for the opportunity to share His truths with like-minded sisters in Christ, whose faith and love for Him oozes from their hearts and minds as we all walk this journey together.
All I need to remember is:
- I am His beloved
- I am a child of God
- I am Heaven’s poetry
- I am Forgiven
- I am whole in Christ
- I am never alone
- I am an exquisite fragrance
- I am Free.
Blessing & Hugs to you in the week ahead.
So happy to link up up with my new friend, Cindy Bultema to share a wrap up of ‘She Speaks 2016’.
Beautiful post…thanks for sharing a bit of your experience at “She Speaks”. Praying that God blesses you with many opportunities to speak his words!
Thank you Beth! I just want others to go with some things in mind. Lean on God, pray about what He wants you to learn and what He wants you to takeaway. No need to put pressure on ourselves–no matter how experienced or seasoned we are, we can all still learn. It was a wonderful experience.
Beautifully written, Mitzi. I’m going to save this to my Conquering Comparison Pinterest board! I remember walking into She Speaks wondering if I would fall into the comparison trap, but then instead falling in love with all the awesome new friends I met there. It’s such a place of inspiration and encouragement. Glad you had a fabulous time!
Thank you Kristine. Fortunately the comparison business only came in bursts of seconds, but you do wonder about things. I met some wonderful new friends, but the most important thing I can tell others about, is my desire to meet God right where He wanted me, and not worry about the incidentals. I appreciate your words of encouragement.
I LOVE your simple list of things to remember! I am going to write those down and keep them somewhere to look at and speak out and meditate on <3
So good, Mitzi! I can relate to similar attacks of the enemy on my self confidence during my trip to She Speaks last year! Thanks for sharing vulnerably and encouraging powerfully!
Thank you Liz. I so appreciated the piece you wrote after attending, and I kept those words tucked away in my heart. On one hand, the expectation for something to happen wasn’t there and when I left the publishing appointments I was in good shape. I know that when it’s time to publish, I can get it done and I have plenty of help to launch it. Appreciate your words of wisdom and encouragement.
Beautiful post, Mitzi!! It was so lovely meeting you in person. Thanks for this encouragement, and I’m looking forward to staying connected! <3