Instead of continuing on the path of flogging myself for being human, I decided to highlight a major win this week–and a testimony to God’s sufficient grace.
Some of you know I have an interest in doing stand up comedy. In fact, you might have even been at the very first open mic I did ever several years ago at the Delray Arts Garage. I have been writing material practically every day since then (on my journey, I learned I have a gift of seeing humor in, well, just about everything and being able to translate it into a tellable joke), but until this past Saturday, I hadn’t gotten up on stage in about two years. Lawd have mercy!
The very first time I got up–with my little five minute set written in the notes app on my iPhone–I felt so comfortable and confident, I thought, “Wow, this must be a gift from God.”
Supportive friends encouraged me with their authentic laughter. When they–and others in the audience–asked when my next show would be, I became even more inspired to continue!
But my mom has been busy beating cancer, so I got a bit sidetracked with that.
While I have still been writing a lot, I really haven’t felt motivated to do an open mic recently. Pesky devil!
That was, until this past weekend. God’s victory!
I went to The Utterance, a magical faith-based all arts open mic at Common Grounds in downtown Lake Worth. I had been a few months ago as a spectator and promised myself I would go back. After all, I left with a giant smile on my face and a full heart. Who could ask for anything more?!
But the talent was so phenomenal, I didn’t think I would ever have the courage to perform my stand up there.
When I decided to go back this past Saturday, I thought I was just going, again, to enjoy watching the other artists.
But, as it always does, God’s plan prevailed.
I arrived early and even scored a most coveted parking spot.
As I searched inside for the perfect seat, I witnessed other artists adding their names to the list of performers. I almost fell into self-pity, as I had many times in the past (not so much with comedy, but with other things).
Then the Spirit came over me. And it urged me to sign up to do a set.
“oh. My. GOODNESS!” I thought. Was I really going to do this? I wasn’t prepared! I wasn’t prepared at all!
But I knew this time! I had no choice but to sign up!
Throughout the evening, I was at risk of losing confidence as the other brilliant and talented artists went up, one by one.
They were prepared and performed amazingly! They were absolutely incredible and stellar!
Still, as much as I could justify it, God’s angels did not let me back out.
My internal conversation–ya know, the one that tells us to just give up already–by the grace of God, kept pointing back to trusting Him. It was, after all, His faithfulness that allowed me to sit patiently awaiting my turn while fellow creatives nailed it and killed it.
It was His faithfulness I relied on to get me through.
And, in typical Heavenly Father fashion, He didn’t only get me through, but He helped me to shine.
With humility and love,
Michele
Next week: “Without you”
