Last night, we had a training about public speaking. A big shoutout to Ms. Daygrace of Toastmaster for the opportunity to learn more about how to project yourself when speaking to people.
Ms. Daygrace gave us an assignment to prepare for a 5 minute speech about “How God Blesses Me.” Although I had experience in public speaking for a fairly long time, it was still nerve-racking when a professional will listen to your speech and gives critic on how you overall project yourself on stage. Like what Ms. D said, it was normal to feel that way.
Anyhow, it was all good because after my speech, Ms. D and Pastor Nick gave me pointers on areas to improve.
This is my speech:
Before knowing the truth of the Word of God, I thought blessing came from a person’s hard work and perseverance. The world views blessing as such. However in the Bible, blessing means favor or gift from God.
When I was still a young, my mother would always encouraged us, her four daughters, to study hard so that one day we can get a job that can help us through life’s struggles and hardships. There’s nothing wrong with parents encouraging their children to do well in school. In fact, parents must inspire their kids to dream big and to have goals in life.
I have witnessed my family’s financial challenges at a very young age. Since my parents cannot afford to provide a little luxury for the family, I would work during summers so that I can buy things I want for myself. I was 13 years old when I learned the value of money, the value of hard work. I would buy school supplies and clothing from the salary I get during summer jobs. Sad to say, it was only enough for my school needs. But that was okay because my parents didn’t have to buy stuff for me.
All those years, I worked hard and faced challenges, not only financially but also emotionally just to graduate from university. I thought that was it. I thought working hard and persevered would get me somewhere comfortable in life. But no. Real hardships, struggles, and difficulties begin. It was crazy. It was more than crazy. I was in limbo. I didn’t know what to do. I was uncertain of so many things because no matter what I do, the odds were not in my favor.
During my time of uncertainties, I came to know Jesus. And I realized he was the missing piece of the puzzle that was called my life. The more I knew Jesus, the more I understand life in general. Yes, hard work, perseverance, and all those things are needed to get through life, to face challenges. But to overcome those challenges, you need Jesus because you cannot do it on your own. There are so many successful people in this world but still they feel it’s not enough.
This is the true misconception of humanity. They thought blessing is all about money, prestige, all things you acquire. But true blessing is about contentment, about peace in your heart and mind, joy within, good health, wonderful relationship with family and friends. Above all, an intimate relationship with God.
I must say I am blessed because of Jesus.
