I don’t know what happened to the post I wrote for yesterday. I suppose it got lost somewhere in the airwaves along with the video of my talk Sunday night. Facebook isn’t always cooperative, is it?

While trying myriad ways to post that video, I had a lot of time to reflect on just how far I’ve come in the last several years. There was a time when the thoughts of speaking in front of a group of people would have sent me into a tizzy. Stage fright kept me from doing many things I would have liked to do in my life. Community theater, musical performance, and even stand-up comedy are all dreams I’ve had at one point or another…but fear kept me from pursuing any of them.

One morning, probably twenty years ago, I was visiting with friends over breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants in Glenwood Springs. Cris Aronson was there. She was the high school speech and drama teacher at the time. Someone was talking about how great life was going for them and, in my best Ethel Merman impression, I started belting out “Everything’s coming up roses…” Cris whipped around and looked at me and said, “You can sing!” I assured her, I could not…even after singing right in front of her. A few weeks later, she called me and said she was directing Fiddler on the Roof for the community theater and she wanted me to come try out. As a matter of fact, she said she chose that musical with me in mind. Oh, no. No…sorry. No way! The thoughts made me want to throw up.

It makes me sad to look back at that woman who was so afraid. How many opportunities did she miss? How many times did she listen to the opinions of others and believe she wasn’t good enough? Countless, I’m afraid. It took a potentially lethal overdose and the death of my handsome Mr. Virgo to bring me out. To strip away the fears that have held me back for so long. And now, look at that beautiful, confident woman in this picture. I’m not saying that to brag…I’m just marveling at the difference. When people tell me I glow, I know where my light comes from. God shines through us when we let Him. It’s how we bring light into the world. And oh…this world needs more light! So, I’ll keep shining my light at every opportunity. And I’ll post pictures. Not in a boastful way…but with love and encouragement. I know I’m not the only one who suffers from stage fright. I’m not the only one who has suffered low self-esteem and anxiety and depression. God knows, if I can do this…anyone can. It just takes standing up. And lots of prayer.

❤️

“Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.””

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬