I was nominated by one of the leading wireless companies to be a part of a competition for some of the top sales reps in the region. I was so excited because the completion was held in Nashville TN and this would be my first time ever visiting the city.
I was there by myself and fearless because I couldn’t wait to see everything that Nashville Tennessee had to offer. So, I went to the first open mic that I saw because I was determined to do karaoke in the heartland of country music. I was instantly face to face with singers who have been rehearsing their entire lives and took this very seriously. I was out of my league, and I was intimidated for the first time in my life.
The moment came and it was my turn to take the mic and I did what I knew how to do, invite others on the stage with me to ease the anxiety that has been building as my moment approached. I intentionally invited a young lady who had the voice and pipes of an angel and she gladly accepted the invitation. As I belched out the words to “Respect” by Aretha Franklin as loud as possible from the back, I allowed her to take the front and I instantly became a backup singer. I will never forget the moment an older white gentleman around the age of 65 approached me afterwards. He started at me for a moment and slowly began to speak. “ You have an amazing voice, don’t doubt yourself next time.” I was conflicted because on one hand I was so excited that someone had noticed my voice and took pleasure in it. On the other hand, I was ashamed because I didn’t believe in myself from the beginning.
Isn’t it amazing how others can see the gift inside of you before you even recognize your light? I am reminded of the moment that God gave Moses instructions for the children of Israel. He was told to approach Pharaoh and speak very specific things, but because of his speech impairment, Moses counted himself out and recommended that Aaron, his brother, be considered to speak on his behalf.
Exodus 4:10-14
“10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you.”
There are so many wasted opportunities that we miss because we feel that we are not qualified for the task at hand. This, often times, will lead us on a path of self sabotaging traits. We don’t believe, therefore we don’t prepare for everything we need to make this seemingly impossible task become successful. I believe that when the opportunity presents itself, it is the faith in the Lord and knowing He has given you everything you need that will keep you through the process. I am a firm believer that God qualifies the called and he will never leave you nor for sake those that he calls.
Numbers 23:19
“God is not human, that he should lie,
not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?”
Faith is knowing that God will provide everything you need to get it done. All you have to do is go for it! The moment you count yourself out, you instantly rob yourself of knowing how much God truly loves you and how much He will do on your behalf. He is faithful, but you will never know if you never step outside of your comfort zone and walk by faith.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”