I was trying to read, and my kaleidoscope brain was tracking in a different direction. I have a couple of speaking engagements coming up, and for some reason, 5:00 am on a random Wednesday seemed to be the right time to book flights. As I pulled up my email to confirm dates and times, I was also reminded of the topics I've been asked to cover. Hmmm, I thought. Why me? I'm no expert in those areas. And then the anxious part of my lizard brain began to run wild.
It reminded me of a story one of our leaders was telling me about her father. Years ago, he was in a meeting with a bunch of "important" people to discuss "important" things. One of those rooms full of people who dress important, act like experts, and pretend they have money (whatever that means). They were all laying out their big words and fanning their feathers, and when it came time for him to speak, all he could think about was "I've got a hole in my sock".
If you ever feel like you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. If you ever truly believe it...duck! Pride comes before destruction.
When it comes to speaking in front of people, giving presentations, recording videos, having uncomfortable conversations, or taking a public risk, most of us feel totally inadequate. Fear of rejection, humiliation, sounding dumb, saying the wrong thing, or being revealed as a fraud. GREAT! That means we're perfectly normal. Do it anyway!
My mentor, Mike Hardwick, taught me the hard way to heed Paul's advice to Timothy, to be ready in season or out of season.
"God will give you the right words at the right time." (Matthew 10:19)
If you spend your entire life and career being worried about what other people are going to think of you, you rob them of the joy of truly experiencing you. And you were created with a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind. So let it loose.
Make the phone call, ask for the meeting, do the presentation, get on stage, share your opinions, get on the field, and get in the game.
We all have a hole in our socks. Feelings of inadequacy or fear are the devil’s tools to prevent good people from sharing good things. Be ready in season or out of season, and don't worry about what people think. God will give you the right words at the right time. You have something valuable to give...you!
Some of the most useful things I've ever heard were not delivered by someone with a perfect appearance and a lot of cover up, but by authentic people in need of new socks.
