I had an invite to speech before 400 people at a local church for a half hour today (Sunday). I talked about how documenting one's life is essential to helping yourself and other's overcome adversity. I shared my story of the past 16 months, albeit concise, with regards to my fight with cancer. The speech was extremely well received and was held after for an hour talking with various people wanting to know more about my story. It was nice to hear from mature men who are highly successful come to me afterward and advise me on my future, one saying that I am a natural talker. A couple came up to me and told me that I resembled a young Robert Redford. I told them that as long as it was the young Robert Redford that I'd take that as a compliment. Seriously, he looks like a plastic crypt keeper with freckles and cowboy boots now.
It seems weird to me now that I was, in fact, a licensed minister at one time in my life. I am not a pious person at all and never have been, even when I was a missionary. I've spent most of my adult life heavy in doubt, but I have had the ability to mingle with those who are religious. From my constant questioning has come a gift to provide a perspective on spirituality that is new and sometimes a bit too challenging for most. But, every so often when I share my perspective it resonates. I spent a great deal of time after my service in England closed off and feeling a bit betrayed--like there was no place for me, anywhere. I quit sharing my gifts with people and as a result I withered and became lonesome. It has been through some rather harsh experiences over the past eight years that I've woke up and shaken off the dust of my hibernation. Where I go from here, I do not know. But, I have the feeling like I'm loading up my caravan and starting on my next journey. I'm going to enjoy having you guys come along.
Earl...
11 years ago
10 comments:
After a long and arduous weekend it is nice to come back in time to watch the butterfly burst forth from the cocoon.
400 people?!?!?! That's amazing. I'm not sure I could have spoken in front of such a large group.
How exciting for you! Thanks for letting us join you. leigh
what's wrong with freckles?
NYD~ It's even better because I'm pretty on the inside too.
Diane~ My deal is that once you get past 100, everybody just blends into one giant mass.
Leigh~ Hey, where would I be without people like you keeping me company?
Crystal~ Did I ever tell you how God gives people freckles because they masturbate too much?
Can I be the co-captain?
Yay! Sounds like a roadtrip!
I was wondering how that went. I am glad to hear you were such a hit, young Robert Redford! But seriously, you actually needed someone to tell you that you are a natural talker??? haha. That's funny to me! ;) But I know it was different to be a natural talker in front of 400 people! That is really a gift.
Hmmmm.... did you mention blogging in your chat about documenting one's life. Because I think that's what my blog is... albeit one that only focuses on sunshine and lollipops and leaves out the rest of it.
And... young Robert Redford - that's pretty high praise!
Meggypoo~ Sure, why not.
O-Girl~ I'm gifted and talented. One would even say that I'm special.
Christielli~ Yeah, I can only imagine what church going folk around here would think of my dirty little secret/blog. As far as looking like a celebrity, I don't know if I look like Robert Redford but you kind of look like Natalie Wood.
Sometimes you just floor me.
I mean that in a good way, btw.
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