Have you ever been asked to do something that you're not quite sure you can do and for starters you don't know how you got asked to do it in the first place, but it's the kind of thing you can't say no too?
Ya. I got asked to do something like that and it's so hard to keep the I'm not worthy and really what can I offer feelings away...
Last week I got a letter in the mail. I should have taken the letter a little more seriously after seeing the BYU symbol in the left hand corner, but I opened it as if it was junk mail. Man, how I wish it would have been junk mail. So you can imagine my utter shock when instead it was a one page letter asking me if I'd be willing to participate in Woman's Conference at the end of April as a presenter to discuss the topic: "She....Worketh Willingly with Her Hands" (Proverbs 31:13)
I know, after you've whipped the shocked look off your face let me just tell you how shocked I was when I first read it. I was literally motionless. When I was finally able to compose myself I read the letter over and over, double checking to make sure it was really address to me (it was) and then felt the panic set in. Tears welled up in my eyes and I stared pacing the house, they want me to do what? I can't do this! There are so many more woman out there who are more qualified than me that could do this. Can I do this?
Deep breath...
I just got off the phone with the woman who sent me the letter telling her, Yes, I would be willing to participate. It's a good thing I've had some time to think about this, I'm calm now and feel peaceful about the whole thing. I have a different understanding today than I did the moment I opened the letter. I've been praying for some time, over a year in fact, to find ways to use my talents for good. I know I have a desire to create for a reason and I keep searching for the answer. Whether or not this is it, perhaps part of it, I'm not sure, but I do know I cannot let this opportunity pass me up. I'm grateful for someone believing in me enough to think I could do this and grateful that I feel peaceful today knowing that I can.
That is today. I'm quite certain it will be around the middle of March when I'll start crying again and will need lots of encouragement.
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P.S. If anything (stories, talks, quotes etc...) occurs to you about that topic please email me, I would love to hear what you have to say. I've decided not to even think about this until after the big meeting at the end of this month where they give me all the details and I meet the other 2 woman I'm presenting with, but I guess it can never be too soon to start compiling ideas.
25 comments:
I know that I have not known you very long, but I think you are a very inspiring and talented person. You will do GREAT! And They CHOSE YOU. For me, going to Women's Conf. will be even more exciting Knowing one of the talented teachers.
Oh, I think you will be wonderful! You have so many creative gifts, and a real ability to inspire. Barb and I were just talking about coming to UT for Women's Conference again this year, and your news makes it all the more tempting!
How exciting! The first thing that came to my mind was President Uchtdorf's wonderful talk about creating.
Yes, I'll be there. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Wow. That is wonderful.
Kelly and Barb I hope you do come. I would really enjoy seeing the two of you again.
Michelle actually in the letter Uchtdorf's talk is quoted so that was what they had in mind as well.
Shelley and Lindsay thank you. Shelley I'd love it if you did come. The more friendly faces the better.
I know I only know you through your blog but I'd say they picked the perfect person for this topic. You seem to make everything you touch beautiful. I don't know that my favorite post of yours was totally about creating but it was when you were looking in the window at your husband and girls baking cookies on a Sunday? Which to me says you've passed your love of creating things (rather than just opening a package) to your daughters which is an amazing gift. You're going to be great!
and I meant to say, I don't know that this fits but my favorite post of yours... (I need to preview before I publish...sorry.)
I am so excited for you! You are exactly who I would pay to see talk about that topic, and I am thrilled you will have the opportunity to do so. What an excellent opportunity you will have in the next few months for focus and reflection on your passions. Have fun!
How completely wonderful! I am so excited for you. You are a creator and so, so, so talented. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Maybe I'll make a trip up!
K, this solidified my decision to go this year. So no pressure! LOL
I just checked the women's conference web page yesterday because I am ready to make my plans to attend. I will be sure to attend your workshop. That is so awesome that you are a presenter.
ps, I read your blog all the time but I'm not good at commenting. Hopefully you remember me as Lucy's friend you met at her place a couple of years ago.
I would really love to come! I catch myself thinking about you at times and I don't even know you. You are amazingly talented, inspiring, and such a great example. Good luck with this, and God will bless you with the strength to bless other's lives.
Amy, what a HUGE complement that they have asked you to be a presenter. I soooo wish I was going to be attending WC this spring, but it isn't going to work for me this year. Good luck with the preparation this will require. I am sure you and the other women will do a fabulous job!
Really.. they couldn't have picked a more perfect participant.
Wish I could be there.
WOW!
That is quite the compliment! My Mom was asked to speak a few years ago on Forgiveness. I thought that it was an amazing even to be apart of! It was spirtual and amazing for her. I hope that it will be the same for you!
I hope that I have sold my home and have moved to Utah by then so that I can sit by Kelly (hello! Kelly!) and Barb and listen and learn from you.
No pressure. Ha!
Amy - you were meant to do great things. Your blog has been an inspiration to many - on your creative goodness but also on your love of life and how grateful you are with all that you have. You are blessed and now, we will be too!
Wonderful!!!
Lisa I will be looking forward to finally meeting you in person. Hopefully we can do lunch one of these days when your moved and settled.
wow! This is fantastic. You will do wonderful. I wish I could come down to it.
Wow, Amy. That is HUGE! Congratulations. I know that you will do a great job. I want to come & hear you for sure. You are so talented. What a great compliment to you!
That is so AMAZING!! I'm very excited for you. What an honor. I wish I hadn't just had a baby and didn't live so far from Utah. I would love to come and see you present. You will (I'm sure you will)have to post all about it.
Best of luck in getting everything ready. Exciting, exciting, exciting! You are definitely qualified.
You're amazing! I was not really surprised at all when I saw the letter. You have so many talents and so much to share with others and the best part is you are so humble about it. Please tell me the dates so I can be sure to be there! You'll be fabulous!
I am excited for you- even though I would be freaking out. I dare say this is the only way I would ever make it to a session of Women's Conference- bring it on!
I'm so excited for you to get to do this, it will be such an amazing experience and opportunity for growth. I hope you'll feel more confident and choose to share your talents and experience rather than be consumed with fear and self doubt (easier said than done I realize). You'll have a fan club in the audience so there's no need to fear!! You will do great!
Oh, oh, oh! What a brilliant panelist you will be. Your hands and mind are so talented, you're a natural pick. Good luck. Good luck. Good luck.
(I presented at BYU-Idaho's education week a few times and one thing I learned was to relax and go with the crowd. L.D.S. women are so eager/hungry to learn that they are a very forgiving and encouraging crowd. Just trust them, which in turn allows you to trust yourself and be honest/open with them.)
I found your blog through a friend of a friend, but have never commented. However, I was reading a talk this morning entitled Creativity by Neal A. Maxwell, and your upcoming speaking assignment came to mind, so I thought I would share. It is an amazing talk and if you haven't read it already, I would highly recommend it! Good luck!
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