I'll trade you a dirty, ugly grain of sand for a beautiful pearl...
So, last week. To be quite honest, I had a bad day. I wasn't in the particular "peppy" mood to be giving a motivational speech. As I drove to the shelter I was already engaging in negative self-talk.
"Oh gosh. My speech isn't going to be that great. How can I motivate them when it's been such a 'lovely' day and my attitude isn't even right?"
My neck still hurts from getting rear-ended last week, but i said I would do this and there was no backing out. The location is under wraps for obvious reasons, so I was a little disoriented trying to find where to go.
We all go into a little room and it's a very intimate setting, when all of the ladies gather round the table. I was honest with them. I told them my story couldn't touch any of theirs and I had written it in a speech format, so I felt a little silly. They were super understanding. I told them my story and then, everyone let it spill out. I heard almost everyone's story. There were tears, encouragement, & different viewpoints all around the table.
I couldn't believe how high my spirit was lifted, just by getting the privilege to go and listen to those ladies. They are so strong. A couple of them told me how awesome and happy they were that I was pushing the Values First movement. They all thanked me for coming and doing what I do. Their successes and trialled stories were incredible.
God can take our most terrible pieces of sand and turn them into pearls. No matter how unfitting and insignificant we may feel, He can always turn it into something beautiful.
-Keri Owens