Yeah! I took part in a preaching contest in my church!
Basically I had to stand in front of an open hall and speak to the crowds. To be honest, I do not really like to talk in front of a large crowd (very few people like to).
In fact, when I used to be a shy person. I barely talked and preferred listening than talking. Some of the shyness was because I had low self esteem and was not confident in sharing my thoughts. I felt they were not good enough and people were not interested.
I remembered I was so shy that once I waited at the bus stop for 15-20 minutes with a class-mate and did not even spoke to him. He was so frustrated that he asked me out in exasperation : “Why are you so quiet!” Btw, he was 1 of the most patient person I know and yet I wore him down. =( But
Thank God that I have changed over the last few years. With the encouragements of friends and mentors, I start to grow in confidence about myself and see the VALUE that is in me.
Though I may not be talented in certain areas compared to some of my friends, I do have unique talents =) At the same time, I am SPECIAL just like everyone around me!
Hope this encourages you to speak up and share your inner worlds with people! Btw, the organizer had made a U-tube of my sermon (they did it for all contestants). But I am not going to tell you where is it. =) Have fun searching for it!
