I spoke to a group of women last night. Women who were lovely and warm and welcoming. And yet, no matter their warmth, I won’t lie, I was nervous. Not because I was afraid to share, but because of my longing for God to meet those who were there in a way they otherwise wouldn’t have met Him.
I want my words to make a difference, for lives to be changed, and because only God can do the work in their hearts, I find speaking to be a vulnerable activity of surrender … like I’m standing on a bridge overlooking a deep gorge … and with that first word out of my mouth, I jump.
I jump into transparency and truth.
The truth of where I’ve been and what I’ve done … what I’ve learned and the reality of all God has done, and is doing, in my life. Not because of me, but because of His great mercy. I free fall and I am not in control of the outcome.
It’s my job to jump. It’s His job to decide where we land as a result.
I’ve heard many speakers over the years, and for me, the ones I remember are the ones who jump–the ones who give a part of themselves when they speak. Those who offer a piece of their hearts, take a risk, and for the benefit of His name, share their struggles and failures, joys and sorrows, and how God made beauty from it all.
Because I need hope. As a person in the audience I’m grasping to find a part of me in what they share. I’m longing to know I’m not alone–know there is hope for even me, wherever I am.
And so, when I speak, I seek to just jump.
To give my words as an offering, laid up on an altar for God to use as He sees fit. Prepared, and presented … put down, and poured out for Him.
And it is my prayer that as I share, His love will be magnified, and He will be glorified in me.
Last night, I spoke. And I jumped. And may God use what I offered as He may.
I surrender it, and it is no longer mine.
Who have you heard speak who inspired you?
What did they say?
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to take five minutes and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 10 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing, with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Jump…
*Photo Credit: blt04, Flickr Creative Commons
Great post! I recently heard Beth Moore speak, and who DOESN”T she inspire?! But I totally get what you’re saying about making yourself vulnerable, it really helps even just one member of your audience to connect, and it makes you real, which then can make God real to them. Visiting from FMF.
Thank you Sarah…yes, so true 🙂
I think you jump when you write, too, Jacque. Thanks for being willing to give God a human voice so that others can hear and connect.
Jacque, I’m stopping by from FMF and have gotten caught up in your story! It’s past my bedtime, my glasses are off, my computer screen has been zoomed in many times and I’m on Day 11 of When Mercy Found Me. Thank you for writing. I am grateful I stopped by. Elizabeth @ takingshapeslowly.wordpress.com
Your words bless me so…may we all jump in full abandon for Him. xo
Aww, thank YOU for reading and for taking me anyway. What a gift God’s mercy is indeed! I’m so thankful for God’s love.
Bless you, as you bless others.
Thank you Denise!!
Great post, Jacque. There are so many that have put into my life, to narrow it down to one speaker, well, just isn’t possible. However, I feel whether it is speaking in person to a group, or, speaking to a community through your words, it’s scary. It is a jump.
Thank you for you post. I really admire you and your work.
Blessings
Hi Jacque, I’m sure your words and your own experience were a blessing to those women! And I love how you pointed out that it’s the speakers who are vulnerable that give you hope in your own struggles. I think vulnerability can be so hard, because it can easily be mistaken. But I agree that it’s very encouraging, even important. Thanks for taking the jump with your words. It’s nice to meet you! Blessings!
I am so thankful I found you some few months ago….have delved into your vuneralbility aspect and began writing again myself. Thank you once again for being the God-acquired inspiration so many of us crave. One person whom I admire and am inspired from-Dr Brene Brown-she has a youtube video called “The Power of Vuneralbility”. It is awe-inspiring. I saw her on a Super Soul Sunday episode. God bless-
Hey Jacque,
I really love this post. i like the line, “It’s my job to jump. It’s His job to decide where we land as a result.” So true! As someone who enjoys speaking to women’s groups, I love the way you’ve described it here. And I totally agree with you…the speakers who have had the greatest impact on me where the ones who were vulnerable and real. I seek to do that when i write and when I speak. I can’t wait to read more of your story, btw! I’m sure I’ll be commenting once I get the chance to grab a hot cup of coffee and dive into your story. Blessings!