I am so glad to be writing to you today! I want to tell you about the time I was asked by a friend if I would speak at a women's retreat in her place because she had other plans for that weekend.  I was honored that she thought I could do this, but I prayed about it because I never had done anything like that before! I led Bible studies, but this was a lot more than that, and anyway, who would want to hear what I had to say? Apparently, God thought that someone would.

So I packed my bags and picked up my friend, and off we went to speak to these women, none of whom I knew. I had spoken to the secretary of the church who was trying to get a women's group together, and she said that I would be speaking the Saturday night and Sunday morning. Fine. I prepared and prayed. I was nervous! It's one thing to speak to people you know, it's a whole 'nother ball game to get up in front of women you have never met!

Saturday evening came, and I shared my life testimony and about how God brought me through Post-partum depression. It seemed to be well received, and a few ladies came up afterwards and I encouraged them to continue to seek the Lord. Then one of the ladies gets up and says, "there seems to be a mistake in the schedule. Ann is not speaking tomorrow we have a special worship leader coming. " All the ladies cheered for this person who they knew and loved. My heart sank! I had prepared for so long, and fit my message into two sessions, and now I wouldn't have a chance to complete it! I felt bad because I knew I had been asked to speak for both days. What do you do in a situation like that!? I tried to smile, and hide my hurt but I was embarrassed! I had just finished telling these ladies that I would come back and finish my session on Sunday.

That night one of the ladies came to me and gave me a check and said she was sorry for the mix up. I wanted to cry, but I didn't. I thanked her and said I was sorry that I wouldn't have a chance to finish. I felt that I was dismissed, but we stayed the night, and went home the next day. I said"God what was this all about? Why did I come out here, and give my time and effort? What are you saying to me? I felt Him say"Ann, you did what I asked of you. Isn't that enough?" I had to say, "Yes, Lord it certainly is." I learned from this as I look back on it. My obedience was great, since I was not a speaker, but I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and see where it would take me. And it has brought me to you! And I am so glad for that! I hope that you are too!