Help, Hope and a Dose of Humor!
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I looked out at the crowd sitting in front of me. Oh Lord, can I do this? Men and women smiled and nodded, eager for what I was about to say. The program planner had given me a stellar introduction, even mentioning that I was a graduate of CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors Speakers Seminar) created by award-winning speaker and writer, Florence Littauer.
With a prayer on my heart and my three-point outline on my lips, I jumped in and shared for thirty minutes my favorite presentation, Squeeze the Moment: Making the Most of Life’s Gifts and Challenges. The crowd clapped and laughed and a few even dabbed their eyes. Afterwards, people streamed up to my book table and chatted, asked me to autograph books, and shook my hand or hugged me, giving thanks for my message. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish.
I remembered what Florence had said so many times. “Everyone is looking for help and hope.” Then she shared examples that drove the point home. Whether rich or poor, educated or not, sick or well, we all need hope, and each of us needs help in some way or other. We long to be loving parents, useful citizens, generous friends, trusted employees, committed spouses, and caring Christians.
Just as medicine goes down a bit easier with a spoonful of honey so does a message of help and hope––with a dose of humor. Thanks to Florence I learned early on that laughter makes everything all better.
Now when I stand on stage before hundreds or on a floor in front of a few, or sitting across from a friend over a cup of coffee in a cafe, I no longer ask, Oh Lord, can I do this? because I know I can—strengthened by the grace of God and the encouragement Florence provided.
And you don’t have to be a published writer or a polished speaker to offer people help, hope, and a dose of humor. Anyone can give such gifts each and every day to the people we love and live with, and to those we meet along the way.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
(Romans 15:13)
We each have our own unique skill sets and talents. We just need to step up and make it happen. Thanks for the post to remind us how we can each help.
John, what a nice surprise it is to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words and reminder.
Love this! I know you offer all these things and more as your good friend! Romans 15:13 is one of my favorite verses. Yes, we all need HOPE, especially the kind Jesus offers. Blessings, my friend!
Thank you, Sherry. I know that you do the same.
Just seeing you in person always makes me happy.
Janet, how sweet of you. Thanks for this lovely boost.
You are such an inspiration! Love you!
Thanks, Michele. I love you too and thank you for your words of inspiration over the years through your writing.
Karen, you always inspire me and I can say a big AMEN to this one! Many times I feel we ask ourselves the question ‘can I do this’ but then we know WE cannot by ourselves but with God helping us we CAN ! Great is His Faithfulness! We are so blessed to know our Lord and have been taught to follow His lead and you are a perfect example. A big thank you for “being you”!
Love to you. Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. You always have such wonderful words of wisdom to share.
I always smile when I see anything that reminds me of you. Thank you for this encouragement.
You’re welcome, Barbara. I’m thinking of you too. I just got a contract from HH for a new book. I wish you were going to be my editor.