I have to talk in front of people exactly two weeks from today. I look forward to being at She Speaks among other women who are passionate about some of the same things I am. Still, I have to talk. In front of people. And there is no delete button on my mouth, unfortunately.
I know several of you are planning to attend and I just can’t wait to meet you for real! Then there is always the reconnecting with new-old friends from conferences past, like Lisa B. at Simply His who has a great, honest post about all that went on inside her head during last year’s She Speaks, Maybe you click…Maybe you don’t.
In the midst of preparations, nerves and all the excitement, I’ve been encouraged by Lisa B.’s post as well as some other posts I’ve seen while browsing my bloggy block.
Another Lysa knows what it is to feel called and small at the same time.
This lovely soul is a writer, editor, encourager and wisdom giver-outer. Her gifting, talent and sweet spirit are a blessing to so many and she just may be the only one who doesn’t know it. I am a fan for life.
Finally, I’m thankful for Cindy who is willing to be honest and real about fear and doubt and all those things I feel but don’t like to talk about. She puts it out there, and then she gives perspective.
I hope you are able to take a minute and visit these girls. While you do that, I’m going to be thinking about that She Speaking I have to do and brainstorming ways to rig up a delete button to the side of my head.
OMGosh! You are the sweetest for linking up to me and commenting
I’m glad we’ve met and had the chance to hang out some too! I hope you and The Nester can join some of us for lunch that Friday at “the other” Chili’s 
You’ll do great talking! Don’t be hard on yourself. I’ll be sitting in the back of the room, so if you get nervous, just look at me and pretend we’re Skype video chatting across the same hotel room! LOL!
BTW, I’ll be bringing my Mac which I absolutely L.O.V.E.!
Write out your remarks in these two weeks, using your delete button to your heart’s content. And then remember that the women there listening to you are grateful for the chance to see you face-to-face, to take in your personality, to hear your voice–not just to listen to your words. They will be thrilled to listen to you even if some of what they get is unedited. In fact, some of the loveliest nuggets may come through in those unplanned words. I wish I could be one of the blessed women sitting in your audience. Godspeed to you as you prepare.
Lisa and Richella – Thank you both for those sweet (and funny!) words. How encouraging! I’ll be tucking those away to pull out in a moment of panic!
I usually do not comment on your blog,(often I am so moved by your words I have to just sit and savor them), but today I just want to encourage you. God has given you such a beautiful gift in your eloquent writing, and I know that when the time comes to speak, He will prepare the hearts of those listening. You are His vessel to be used by Him and for Him. Thank you for sharing your heart with those of us who read your blog. We greatly appreciate the time you take to love on us. God Bless you, Emily!
Hmmm, I am having the same issue here, I am speaking abt my work at a conference in Chicago and wiII be Ieaving for an Interview in Kenya and I am scare, despite the fact that I am no stranger to speaking in pubIic but yet I feeI this way
No delete button for you, my sweet friend. The Lord has granted you wisdom and a heart for Him that transcends any nerves. Your are a continual blessing, and those who know that on line are about to have it confirmed in real life.
Oh, Emily, what I wouldn’t give to be there listening to you speak! One of these years. You will do beautifully, and God will mightily empower your words. Love and prayers for you!
I sure wish I could be there to hear every undeleted word. I know just how you feel, and unfortunately when I get nervous I talk all the more and later wish I could edit entire chunks of my ramblings. But you know you are a fabulous writer and speaking is an entirely different ballgame. There is no delete but that is what makes it more real and meaningful. It is you, unedited and unpolished. That is what women will love about it as much as they love the perfection of your written words!
I hope you have the best time and I cannot wait to hear back the reports of how many were blessed by you and the experience of being there. Give everyone a hug for me and know I’d be there if I could!
xo