Ok, so maybe you know that I'm going on a mission trip to the Philippines next week. And if you know that, then you know that I have been totally freaking out about speaking to groups of 1,000-plus university students. I've had to totally trust God on this one. So I get a phone call on Sunday from our leader. It went something like this:
Harvey: Hey, Melissa! Just wanted to let you know about some new things about our trip.
Me: Great!
Harvey: We have set up some time with a local TV station to give a 30 minute devotional in the mornings. Some men have been asked to do this.
Me: Great!
Harvey: And we also set up a time with a reporter to interview someone to speak about American education.
Me: Great!
Harvey: And so you will be doing that. Your going to talk about what education is like in America and answer questions.
Me:...................
Harvey: And you could also add something about Christian education too.
Me:.................
Harvey: Well, it's been great talking to you and I'll see you at the next meeting.
Me: ...........mhpbye.
WHAAAAAAAAATTT??? Total freak out session. What do I know about education?? I can't be on TV?? This is all wrong. What have I signed up to do?? Don't these people know this is not my thing? I can't talk to large groups of people and I can't be on TV!
I compose myself long enough to drive to Barnes and Noble and look for books about anything related to education and Christianity. I found a book called "Learn the Bible in 24 hours". I was tempted to get it, but I was afraid someone might see me "cramming" for the mission trip and rat me out. It was just about as thick as the bible. Why not just read the bible? I ended up spending about 3 hours there and came out with a book that had nothing to do what I was looking for. "Let me be a Woman" by Elizabeth Elliot. It looks good and I can't wait to start reading it.
Anyways, after I calm myself I realize what God is teaching me. Lesson#1 "It's not about you, Melissa." Lesson #2 "Get over yourself." I feel like he has been teaching me this for the past 26 years. I need to let God take over this and rely fully on His strength because I have no strength of my own. On a side note, I have been working with the Houston Project (our church's local mission trip) on the evangelism team. I thought this would help me get over myself. I am completely out of my comfort zone and totally relying on the Lord for help. I'm just just as freaked out about the Philippines trip, though.
"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."
Psalm 94:19
1 comment:
1) Listen to your inner Moesha ;) 2) I like that book.
3) Please get me a copy of your cameo tv appearance.
4) May I get your autograph?
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