Conquering another fear

I spoke in Church on Sunday!

Many of you may not know me personally, so you may not know that I am really shy. Over the past few years, I have been trying to overcome this, but I am still not a big fan of speaking in a group of more than a few people or talking about myself.

In our Church, unlike many others, we have the congregation speak each week. Usually you get the "opportunity" every few years. I have been asked many times and turned it down every time. The last time I spoke was 11 years ago. They had all the graduating seniors get up and talk about what they learned in seminary and what their plans were once the graduated (a combination of my 2 biggest dislikes).

A few months ago, I was asked to give the opening prayer in Sacrament. Since they asked me only a few minutes before, I couldn't think of an excuse quick enough. I got up and did it....and survived. As I was walking back to our pew, I thought that wasn't so bad. So I challenged myself to accept the next request to speak.

I've always hated being shy. It's taken me 29 years to get to this point and I hope that maybe in 29 more I will have completely overcome it!