"I think it's a sin to sit down and let your life go, without making a try for it."

So today I spoke in church.  I got in front of everybody, and I started talking.  I got through the first couple of paragraphs to my first joke.  Wait.. did they just laugh?  Yes, they did.  They get it.  They get it!  Hooray!  My confidence soared.  Second joke.  Yes!  They got that too!  Okay continuing.  Look at them.  They're listening to me.  They actually care about what I'm saying.  I got their attention.  They're listening.  Okay... continuing.  GEtting to the serious part.  They are still listening.  Every eye is on me.  It's not like those class presentations where you know you suck because everyone is either doing other work, sleeping or staring at the ceiling.  No they are glued to me.  I could say whatever I want in this moment.  I have thier undivided attention.  Okay.  I'm nearing the end.  Oh look.  They are.. crying?  Yes, there are several people crying.  But they were just laughing?  You mean my words actually inspired that kind of emotional response?  ARe you serious?  Okay.. last words.  Okay I'm done.  Pause for a few seconds then end the service... Wait.. they are applauding?  But.. they don't clap at my church.  They are applauding?  End this quickly end this... quickly.  Walk down center isle.  Why are they staring at me?  Now.. every row I walked past.  "Good job." .. Good job?  AS people filed out of the church, every other person asked me if I had ever considered a career in public speaking.  One lady, "Well, that drama really pays off."  Elizabeth Golden.  The shy girl that most people don't remember.  Elizabeth Golden.  The one whose hands constantly shake, the one who gets nervous walking down the hallway, the one who had no self-confidence.  Elizabeth Golden.  Oh man.  I used to wonder if I could make a difference before I graduate.  Mission accomplished.  How much a person can change in a year is astounding.