April 3. 2006 01:56

I Pray that the Holy Spirit will form the words in your mouth...

Gibee

April 3. 2006 02:35

"I say hello
To anyone who's listening
The message ain't nothing new
I don't decide what's true
So when the stones get thrown
They either miss of
They turn to glory
Here's the story as far as I know"

Step Up to the Microphone babe! You will do awesome and lives will be touched by it I know.

Your Husband

April 3. 2006 02:48

I will certainly be lifting you before the throne of our Father and praying that He gives you the words that others need to hear and that your words will be as a healing balm to those in grief. Love you sweetie!!!

Leann

April 3. 2006 04:22

OK, Blair, let me tell you a story. I'll try to keep it short. I was asked to give my testimony at last years Ladies Retreat. Months in advance. Trouble was, every time I sat down to prepare there was some sort of interruption, or the words just didn't come, or something. Finally I had two weeks left. Two weeks that one family member after another came down with an illness--wrapping up with me, the week of the retreat. Way too sick to even think it. I had about a page and a half of random scribbled notes--which became the target of a kitchen table spill and were completely illegible. My plan was to try to work some notes in during Praise and Worship that night--but it was just too good, and I kept sensing God telling me to worship HIm in the moment, and depend on Him to prepare me. At least I would have the 15 minute break to prepare.

Except they skipped the break, and went straight to me. Time issues, you know. I got up with two sentences I had written, Sudafed head, and barely any voice. I have no idea what I said. Okay, some idea, but very little memory. But many people told me later how much it had spoken to them. I joked when I got up to speak that if ANYTHING good came out of it, it had to be God because I was absolutely worthless that night.

And it did. And it was.

(Sorry for the novel here. Hope that helps--and I am praying for you!)

Jeana

April 3. 2006 06:29

You'll do great, Blair. Just speak to those women from your heart. There is someone who IS or HAS going through what you've been through, and all that you learned will bring her comfort -- and allow her to comfort someone else in the future.

I've heard a few speakers in the past give talks on difficult subjects, and some of them have read out of their journal for a while. That seemed to help get through the touchy parts.

You can also think about what your message is -- not everyone will go through what you've been through exactly -- but you learned some spiritual lessons they can apply. That's what people will be thinking about while you're talking -- "She made it through all that with God's help; maybe I can too."

Here's a website that might offer a few tips on speaking. I get so nervous when I get up in front of my jr. woman's club to give a devotion!

www.soyouwanna.com/.../speaking.html" rel="nofollow">www.soyouwanna.com/.../speaking.html">www.soyouwanna.com/.../speaking.html" rel="nofollow">www.soyouwanna.com/.../speaking.html

Heather

April 4. 2006 01:06

Praying for you today....

Debi D

April 4. 2006 07:13

Oops - I am late. Sorry. I still pray for you Blair

Iris