What’s your message?

I had driven some distance across Sydney to speak to a community group and wondered what this particular experience would turn out to be like. As I chatted with the person who had invited me to speak, he posed what I later realised was a very good question.

‘So … what’s the main message you want to get across to us today?’

Initially, I was taken aback. I am used to answering this question when speaking in a church context but had never really thought about my input at community groups in that way. I was aware my main reason for speaking at such groups is to mention something at least about faith in God in a non-threatening way, whatever my general topic may be, and without overstepping the mark concerning what is acceptable to such groups. I want to mirror God’s amazing love and grace through my general input and any individual conversations I may have. In fact, I have a wonderful team of ten women who pray I will be able to do exactly that. However, I knew it would be unwise to share all this with the lovely gentleman waiting for my response

Then it dawned on me that I have two other key aims when addressing such groups, depending on my topic. First, I want to encourage those present in a similar general age bracket to me to think about what they still want to do and perhaps even always longed to do in life and also what truly represents who they are at the core of their being. I suggest they go home and resurrect any projects or activities they have found truly fulfilling in the past but may have put aside, for some reason. I tell them my own story of how my first novel was published when I was fifty-nine and that, during my sixties and seventies, I have had the most wonderful writing and speaking journey, with ten books published so far. In short, I want to inspire them to use their remaining years well and be all they were created to be.

Second, I want to encourage them to think about the words they say or write to others as the ‘word legacy’ they will leave behind when they are no longer here. I talk about how important it is in our everyday lives to share words that build up rather than tear down, but I also encourage them to consider leaving some sort of record of their own lives and thoughts for their families and future generations – because, one day, it will be too late and the opportunity will be gone.

I briefly explained these two general reasons to this gentleman then and he nodded, seemingly happy with my responses. But as the meeting began, I quietly prayed, ‘Lord, please don’t let me forget the main reason I’m here today. May my words touch someone’s heart with your amazing love and grace and cause them to draw closer to you!’

Whatever other important messages we may share with others, may we not forget the greatest message of all and lovingly deliver it however we can.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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Being me

I had arrived early to speak to a community group and proceeded to convey my three boxes of books, briefcase, laptop and data projector up the steep stairs into the large function room. Once there, I discovered the projector screen was at one end, which would necessitate everyone turning around awkwardly. With no blank wall to use instead, I decided to ditch my power point presentation. And, since all available tables were in use, I fetched my own from the car.

I was still arranging my books when several ladies began checking them out. I explained how all of them contain strong faith themes, which did not seem to deter them. One lady bought three, just like that, then began sharing some sad snippets from her life story with me. Next, she bought me a drink. We then discovered we had some contacts in common—and I felt, for those brief moments, that our hearts had touched.

I was seated at the committee’s table for dinner, where everyone seemed curious to hear about my writing journey. These were intelligent, professional women and I enjoyed myself immensely. But then I was asked to begin my talk—at the same time as all the women headed, table by table, to the buffet to help themselves to dessert! I tried to keep going over the resultant chatter, paused once or twice, then decided to plough on regardless.

Eventually, they were all seated and listening. I relaxed and allowed the words to flow. At one stage, I found myself explaining how important it is for me as an author to see God’s creativity in nature and to be inspired by that. I went on to talk about how God has given us the gifts we have and how it’s important to do what God has called us to do in this world. But then I wondered if I should be saying such things. I had spoken at a church earlier that day—it was fine to say such things there. But at a community group?

Later, I discovered my talk had been well received, as several women chatted with me and bought books. Then the club secretary came to say goodbye.

‘I hope you were happy with my input,’ I commented. ‘Sometimes I forget where I am and think I’m at a church group …’

‘No, it was fine,’ she assured me earnestly. ‘After all, that’s who you are.’

Yes, that is who I am, I thought, as I drove home. And if others can talk about things that are important to them, then why shouldn’t I do the same? Of course I need to be sensitive in each situation and honour the wishes of those who have asked me to speak. But I still need to be me. After all, God created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother’s womb, as Psalm 139 tells us. God purposed me to be who I am, so I have a responsibility to be me. As Rob Bell states, ‘We don’t need a second anybody. We need the first you.’

It was an interesting evening. And, despite the difficulties encountered, I believe it was so worth it, just being me for God.

How about you? Are you being a second somebody else—or the first you?

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