my chest, and I'm quite lucky I didn't puke all over the front row audience members.
But I did it. And it was exhilarating.
All I can remember clearly of that day now is how it felt to let go and just live what I'd never allowed myself to live before out of fear. I learned that I had the ability to make people laugh. I heard what applause sounded like when it was for me. It was a turning point in my life I will never forget.
I ended up taking the speech to the 4H state fair and winning first place in the speech competition there. Again, not because I'm amazing, but because my God is amazing. I prayed my way through the entire competition, and He, knowing exactly what I needed, allowed me to receive the blessing and reward of my hard work.
You would think I'd be over my fears by now, but I'm not. I don't think God ever expects us to be anything more than human. He knows what we are. He knows we need him. He is not surprised by our weaknesses, and he doesn't think less of us for them. Our shortcomings are just another opportunity for Him to be glorified.