having moved thirty three times in my short almost twenty-nine years, i’ve grown experienced in making a good first impression.? except for maybe the time i met w. paul young, the author of the shack, at catalyst.? that was terribly traumatic for my winning streak.
starting next week, for a month, i am out traveling and speaking a lot.? in front of people i don’t know in conferences where the male to female ratio of speakers is 9-1 (male) and, correct me if i’m wrong, but i think i’m also the only twenty-something speaking.? and probably one of the only ones who didn’t go to college. and…
this makes my heart a-flutter.? will i sound educated enough? will i seem old enough for people to take me seriously? can i really speak truth and wisdom into a man’s life?? will i have something stuck in my teeth?
insecurities abound…
my comfort is in assuming myself that i will make a good first impression.? i will look amazing, charm people with my wit and wow them with wisdom far beyond my years.? right?? right?
the wonderful dino rizzo twittered something the other day which i believe i will tattoo on my forearm in 120 point font:
“if in life we were sincerely more concerned to bless more instead of impress more, Jesus would enjoy it.”
this nugget is powerful in at least two very amazing ways.
first, i should only be out to do what i am called to do. to be obedient to the things placed in front of me, and not to worry about what man (or woman) thinks.
secondly, these things should sincerely bless people. if i am worried about ME ME ME, i am not worried about being a conduit for a divine message.
pastor dino’s words of wisdom have become my mantra and my prayer as i prepare for this next month of speaking and meeting lots and lots of people.
and if you’re one of them…i truly hope you are blessed with a message of hope far more than impressed with the messenger.
Comments
19 responses to “this makes me bite my nails”
Anne,
I have never met you, and have only recently begun to read your blog and more. But I do know that what God has for you has less to do with what is you and more to do with who He is. You have been given a spirit of triumph, not fear (Romans 8). Take confidence and hope, you have what it takes, you will freaking rock the house.
“and probably one of the only ones who didn?t go to college. ”
Anne, I thought you went to the same college I did: “University of Hard Knocks” — it’s like the tuition is paid for life — and you get to attend as long as you choose…..
I do agree with Pastor Dino’s words, though, they ring with the words of Larry Brey from Elevation Church: “Be the you that Christ died for you to be. Nothing more, nothing less.” You’re an awesome you. Your words encourage and bless. Just rest in that.
Anne, I know I will be blessed by your teaching and leadership in a couple of weeks.
If it makes you feel better, or just lets you know you have company, I have worried alot about what to wear just to GO to re:create and meet so many of my “virtual friends” for the first time. I’m not speaking and I still have worried about it……..silly I know. :)
My husband and i were talking about this the other day. I’d much rather be blessed than impressed!!! I’m so blessed that He led me to your site. To know that there are kindred sisters and brothers across the pond, and to be able to read about daily life in Jesus is an enormous blessing. Thank you for sharing with your rather blessed gift and ability to communicate, and being so real! God bless you precious lady!
Hey Anne. I had my baby last Tuesday. Wanted to let you know all is well and he is adorable and awesome. We are truly blessed. Thank you for the prayers. God is awesome and to be glorified 100%. Please stop by my blog when you have time for photos. His name is Jaxon. LOL — I named him after you. Ok, no. But I thought that would make you chuckle. He’s named after my late grandpa “Jack”.
XO!!
Hi Anne
Know just how you feel – the fear of being ‘found out’. ‘Who is this speaker they’ve sent, he doesn’t really know his subject, is probably a very inadequate Christian, and on top of that, maybe is not even a fully-functioning adult.’
Except, part of you knows that your speaking has been a blessing, they’ve usually said so, and even had you back, or booked you on the recommendation of others!
You’ll be great!
Tony
As one (of many I’m sure) who shares in your insecurities when speaking, teaching or whatever in front of others, I try to remember that I preach, teach, share because I love God and others. That takes the focus off me and puts the focus in the proper place.
These verses help me at times: God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things (not that you or I are lowly and despised, but you know what I mean – I was told that I was dumb and stupid in grade school) – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of HIM that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Christ in you, the hope of glory! I will remember you in prayer throughout the next month. God is using you!
That is a great quote from Dino!
I can identify with your feelings on this one. I started pastoring when I was 26, and at the time, was the youngest senior pastor in the state of Alabama in my denomination. So I wrestled with being taken seriously on a regular basis.
And I would hate it, HATE IT, when people would say, “You’re young to be a pastor, aren’t you?” Haven’t they considered that Jesus was only 33 when He died for the sins of the WORLD????
The thing that a mentor of mine drilled into my head is that people’s opinions of you are irrelevant. Even Jesus was rejected because He wasn’t the “Messiah Package” that the establishment was expecting. Yet, He lived to please the Father, and did only what His Father instructed Him to do, regardless of the consequences. And that is what we must do. We must pursue our calling, walk through the doors that the Lord opens to us, and be obedient to His direction.
It is up to you to give the message that He has given you. Whether or not it is received is not in your control. But you will have been faithful in your part, and that will make Jesus smile.
Your message is unique, challenging, and very much needed. And I believe the Lord has given this to you at a very strategic time. Like Esther, you have a message that can rescue many of God’s people from an untimely spiritual and even physical demise. So be an Esther to this generation.
Whenever you stand up to speak, let each word you say be an act of worship. It’s between you and God, and the audience simply gets to participate.
Blessings on you, Anne. You are going to do great!
1. you’ll be just fine. i’ll be confident for you :)
2. (not to distract from the true meaning of this post) did you get your nose pierced? because i heart it :)
Talking about blessing, I was just thinking about a lovely post today that Kerry Hasenbalg wrote on her latest blog. If you plan to go read, prepare to be seriously blessed!
On another note, just as a ‘heads up’ – not sure if you have heard but there is a certain ‘Mad Church Disease’ going around that people are talking about, there is a cure thankfully – but you know just take care and stay ‘be love d’!
Love, Caroline Salehi. UK.
Anne, you will be fantastic! I am soooo happy for you.
The Book Signings sound like tons of tun. A lady in Church worked at
a Barnes & Noble and once they set your table up, everyone is
already standing in line; so with your charm and fabulous smile, the
time will swiftly go by!!!!! I am confident you will love it because she
says the lady Authors are treated like Queens whether they want to be or
not. And with the kazillion people you have been a blessing to, you
deserve royal treatment and fun!
It will all come to you just as you need it and in your insecurity, you will be able to speak more directly to people’s hearts, because what you are and where you have been says more than your words ever could.
and if that doesn’t help, my wife and I can take you out to dinner while you’re in San Diego at the NPC.
Relate to your battle. Wise words about our insecurities. I wish you the best as you extend yourself out to many.
Anne:
I read this post early this morning and have thought about it for the past few hours. I totally understand that anxiety and fear of not making a good impression. I have found that I get tongue-tied with men in a powerful position (at least more important than me!). I feel like I cannot put my words together to sound intelligent or that I might come across a simpleton.
I appreciate your honesty and your vulnerability. I will be praying that the insecurities are kept at bay and that you will be a blessing to others. (I admit – I just may add that you knock their socks off too!!)
Great thoughts. could be a good breathing prayer….”bless not impress.”
Oh and you must have huge forearms to get that tattoo. Don’t do it.
looking forward to meeting you in Orange County! =)
This whole speaking thing and your nervousness is still on the top of my list for you and the prayers I pray…I am so stinkin excited and proud of you. Really.
In the words of my earthly father – “God is not impressed with man’s rhetoric but rather by his sincereness and genuineness.” So rest assured you don’t need to try to impress anyone or be anyone that you are not. God uses us just the way we are. ;-) Have a great tour. I know you will do swimmingly.
i love you. and that nose ring.