Normally at a book club the members all buy my book and then we discuss the book. This club operated differently. They wanted a review of my book—by myself, the author. Well, that sounded like loads of fun. I could give myself a five star review. So that was not the problem.
I love to speak to book clubs, but this club boasted almost one hundred members. I’d never spoken for one hour to such a large group.
The problem is that I’m a total introvert. I love speaking to book clubs because they are usually small, intimate groups of between five and twelve people. I can do that.
So, a pall of dread descended over me. The horror of speaking to a large group grew and magnified inside my mind. I imagined I would look out over the group and freeze. I would forget everything I had to say. My soft voice would not carry to the audience. Since this was a secular group, there might be a heckler—a person who didn’t like inspirational writers.
And so my dread grew.
Since I’ve become a writer, the Lord has taken me far out of my comfort zone so many times I should be accustomed to the nerves and tension. But I’m not.
Just a few days before my scheduled talk, I was in a mental and emotional frenzy.
As I was thinking on my problem, God brought to my mind another time He’d forced me out of my comfort zone. During that experience He’d given me a precious verse. Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord Himself goes before you, and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
And God had gone before me, and He had smoothed the way. The moment the Lord brought that verse back to my mind, every shed of fear left me. I looked back at what He had done and I enjoyed complete peace. The peace lasted until the speech, during the speech, and after the speech.
The talk was a success, and I actually enjoyed myself in front of that audience.
So, once again, God taught me that I don’t need to slip outside my comfort zone alone. He goes before me, and He is always with me. Even in something as insignificant as speaking to a group. Isn’t God wonderful? Claiming His promises leads to peace and joy.
ANNE GREENE delights in writing about wounded heroes and gutsy heroines. Her second novel, a Scottish historical, Masquerade Marriage, won three prestigious book awards. The sequel Marriage By Arrangement released November, 2013. A Texas Christmas Mystery also won awards. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to awesome new worlds and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus. Anne makes her home in McKinney, Texas. Tim LaHaye led her to the Lord when she was twenty-one and Chuck Swindoll is her Pastor. Anne loves to talk with her readers. View Anne’s books, travel pictures and art work at http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com. Buy Anne’s books at http://www.PelicanBookGroup.com. Or at other online retailers. Visit http://www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com for information on writing an award-winning novel. Talk with Anne on twitter at @TheAnneGreene. Visit Anne’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AnneWGreeneAuthor. Anne loves to talk with her readers.
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