This weekend I had the chance to do something I've wanted to do for a really long time. I spoke at an event for women. Not for authors, not about writing, but for women, about being a woman. It was a really neat experience and made me feel like I'd like to do it again.
It was hard for me to decide what to talk about, because I have so much to say! But, is any of it worth talking about?
When I was eight, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble came out on TV. It was a Major TV Event, and my mom and sister—maybe others, I can’t remember—wanted to watch it. But I wanted to watch Start the Revolution Without Me starring Gene Wilder who I just loved. I know, I had weird tastes as a kid. Heck, I still do! So my mom set me up in my brother’s bedroom with his tiny black and white TV with its bunny ears antennae, while everyone else watched the Boy in his bubble in our living room.
I loved my Gene Wilder movie so much, that when it ended, I couldn’t wait to tell my mom—so I didn’t. Except the Boy wasn’t finished and Mom didn’t want to be interrupted. But, as children do, I chattered away, overflowing with excitement.
She gave me a warning—shut up or be punished—but I didn’t listen. I just kept talking.
She chased me upstairs to my room. I slammed the door, and tried to pull my dresser in front of the door so she couldn’t get in. But I was little, and I could only move the dresser a tiny bit, so I cowered on the bed.
Mom came in, brandishing a wooden yard stick. She used it to beat me until my nightgown was in tattered shreds.
In that moment, on that day, I learned that I talk too much.
So maybe, me talking about what I've learned and how I've found happiness and hope, is just me, talking too much. It's a worry. There are plenty of people out there, sharing in ways far better than I ever could. My voice would just be noise.
Then in church today, two quotes resonated with me and encouraged me to write this post, and to look for more opportunities to talk.
"[W]hen you're on the Lord's errand, you qualify for the gift of the Holy Ghost." —Henry B. Eyring
If I feel compelled to speak, God has a purpose for it, and I'll be inspired and led by the Holy Ghost. And...
"[God] can use your ordinary skills to accomplish His extraordinary work," —Michelle Craig
My voice, my experiences and perspective, are unique, and maybe—just maybe—someone needs to hear me talk.
I hope that, if you've been thinking of doing something generous, kind, helpful, or good, but you've been holding yourself back because, that you'll consider what I've said. That you'll let it sink into your heart and that you'll discover, just as I am discovering, that you and what you have to offer the world are worthwhile, and so very needed.
Be a voice. Be a helping hand. Be an inspiration.
Whatever you're called to do, don't question it. Don't doubt it. Just do it. <3
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