We Can't Be Speechless

Speechless

Sponsor; CrisDental Family Dentistry & Denture Center

When I was a boy I was paralyzed by the thought of speaking in public.

In high school I took an F in speech I was too afraid to get up and speak.

In college I took a speech class because everything else was filled and I needed the credit.

I was at a community college so most of those in the class were older.

My teacher was a former writer for the “Bewitched” television show.

I was so afraid of the class, not the people, just speaking up.

When I had to plan a speech the details always messed me up.

One day the teacher surprised the class with improve.

There was no planning just get up and do what came naturally.

I was first.

As it turned out my speech was a huge hit.

The teacher looked at me and said “Rick Dancer” who are you? What are you? I said “I’m a communicator” he said “go communicate “.

That class, that teacher and that day changed my life.

My dad was a speech teacher but he tended to follow all the rules. The rules were his guide and my snare.

He never understood that.

I remember him coming to a speech I did and afterwards said “ you follow none of the rules and your technique is not anything taught in a classroom but it works”.

So here we are 40 years later at age 63 thinking about that event.

God places people in our lives to help us find the thing that makes us come alive.

Over the years I’ve questioned my job choices and I have not been successful at everything.

But when Mother Teresa was asked by Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield “how do you do it when you know you will save some from poverty and death but thousands more, you won’t save?” Mother Teresa said the Hatfield “ I was not called to be successful I was called to be faithful.”

Those words mean so much to me right now.

To some on the outside my life looks like a series of successes.

But to me it feels like challenge after challenge and the losses seem to outweigh the wins.

I wonder that that is not the way it is supposed to be.

In my talk with God this morning I read a passage in a devotional that said “Beloved, whenever you are doubtful as to your calling, submit your judgement absolutely to the spirit of God, and ask him to shut against you every door but the right one.”

Oh that sounds so good if it’s someone else.

But to ask that doors be closed?

I will but I don’t like the idea at all.

I see myself in a long, dimly lit hallway.

There are doors on each side, many doors.

My way would be to open each one and peak inside.

This time I’m not sure that’s the answer.

So I will walk down the highway, listen for a nudge, and open only if told.

Perhaps the ones that look best will be locked?

I don’t know.

But it’s to find out.

You ready?