Speak Up With Confidence

Last month I had the opportunity to attend the Speak Up with Confidence Seminar hosted by Carol Kent and her amazing team. I heard of the seminar from previous attendees and knew it would be an intense week of learning and inspiration. I was not disappointed. In fact, it was hard to say goodbye at the end of the week! As someone said, it felt like the last day of summer camp!

I left encouraged that God can use me, even if my story isn’t dramatic and even if I only have an audience of one. He has a purpose for me, and I have a reason to Speak Up, because of the things He has done for me. I have this “creative stirring” as Carol describes it. And even though I don’t know what exactly God is stirring me to do, I’m willing to grow and be ready to walk through any doors He may choose to open for me. I know I was where I was supposed to be that week!

I met some amazing women (like Donna who writes devotionals for Our Circle of Friends, and Cindy who also happens to go to my church!) with testimonies that blew me away and brought me to tears. It was incredible to see how God is raising up leaders across the country who love Him passionately and are speaking His story of love and redemption with boldness.

The course required preparing a number of 3-5 minute talks. One of them was video taped for review. I was surprised to find that the critique groups were one of my favorite parts of the conference. The women in my group became instant friends who supported and encouraged and helped each other grow. They blessed me beyond belief.

Here is a small snapshot of the conference – my 5 minute Bible study!