This past Sunday I was blessed with the opportunity to speak about the Race at my home church in Richmond, Grove Avenue Baptist Church. I literally grew up in that building since I was in the second grade: Sunday school, youth group, choir, AWANA, VBS, an internship, and I even attended school there for 6 years. It is my second home. And that's one of the reasons I was so excited to get up in front of my church family and share my heart for the Race with them.
I had emailed with Dr. Becton earlier in the week figuring out what questions he would ask and the best way to effectively communicate my answers. I practiced the "interview" with my parents Saturday night (quickly realizing two years out of school has caused my memorization skills to take a big hit). The interview would take place at the very end of both of our morning services. As I sat in my family's pew during the first service (if you're Baptist you understand- it doesn't actually belong to you, but it's understood that it kind of does) I was running over my answers in my head, questioning my footwear decision (new heels?!? with those stairs?!?), and hoping that I wouldn't talk too fast. Believe it or not, I actually really enjoy being in front of people and speaking, but the anticipation always triggers my nerves. So, as I steadied my breathing, I began to pray.
And that's when I felt the Holy Spirit move in me with the words, "I did not give you a spirit of timidity, but of power…" The scripture from 2 Timothy brought me peace. God wasn't done being my Comforter and my Strength though. He also reminded me that this isn't about me- it's about Him and He was going to say what He wanted to say. What immense relief! This didn't depend on my own talents or capabilities, but on His.
Letting God's peace wash over me, my mind began to wander to the last time I had been on stage in our sanctuary…and then I had to stifle a laugh during the service. The last time I wasn't up there for choir or youth group, but I was….accepting an Oscar. Puzzled? Well allow me to share the story:
In May of 2012 I was privileged to participate in a skit about Ester for a women's night at Grove. The event was held in the church's gym, and after we performed the skit I went to join my mom and sister Patrice at their seats. When I sat down I whispered to Patrice, "How was my performance." She immediately responded, "Oscar worthy." When the night was over the three of us were going to leave the building when we passed the open doors of the sanctuary. I don't remember who said it, but either Patrice or I mused aloud, "How fun would it be to have an Oscars ceremony in the sanctuary right now?" We made eye contact and our faces lit up. We immediately turned to my mom who could tell our imaginations were in high-gear. See, my mom works for the church and has access to things like controlling the lights….for the sanctuary…. "No! Girls we can't do that. Come on it's late…come one let's go." Disappointed we followed her to the door. We were literally stepping outside when she said "Oh, come on!" We ran back to the sanctuary and discovered our family friend, Sarah Houchins, practicing her recital piece on the piano. Could it have been more perfect? We now had musical accompaniment for our ceremony! While Patrice quickly filled Sarah in, mom brought up the lights and pulled out her cellp hone to film. I seated myself in an empty pew and practiced my "surprised winner" look. As the music swelled Patrice began to recite the nominees for Best Actress. Gwyneth Paltrow. Anne Hathaway. Meryl Streep. Logan Gibson. My name was called. I laughed, I cried, I accepted my Oscar (umbrella), and gave a speech to remember. It was magical.
Now join me back in the pew this Sunday. I thought, "If I can accept an Oscar, I can do anything!" I love that God has a sense of humor and chose that time to bring to mind this story.
God blessed me immensely while I spoke. I could tell it was the Holy Spirit in me as I felt calm and steady the entire time. I didn't have to use my notes at all, and Dr. Becton came to the bottom of the stage so I didn't have to try to conquer the stairs in heels! Praise God! But the best part was when Dr. Becton was introducing me to the second service. He mentioned that I had grown up at Grove and he asked that all those who knew me raise their hand. The response was overwhelming. Friends, parents of friends, Sunday school teachers from 4th grade….there were so many memories and experiences represented. It reminded me of just how blessed I am to have grown up in a church that nurtured and supported me.
I've already received so much support, and it was so wonderful to hear from people I've known forever in addition to people I've never spoken to in my life. God is good. So, a big THANK YOU to my Grove Family. I know I can count on y'all for payers and support. Thank you for being there for me. I can't wait to come back next year and share stories from the Race and just how much your prayers helped.
