Hi! I am beyond excited to share this post with you! I just got back from New Orleans where I had the privilege of giving my inspirational keynote speech to over one thousand Keller Williams real estate agents and staff (by far my largest audience yet). It was an incredibly divine experience. Before I went on stage, I said a silent prayer thanking God for blessing me with this opportunity to share my story and let the challenges my family and I have faced and moved through be an encouragement to others. I felt deeply connected to God and connected to my late husband, Andrew’s, presence before speaking. During our time together, I watched Andrew speak to countless audiences over the years. He inspired them to have faith and courage through life’s greatest challenges. I prayed what was in him would also be in me and would empower me as I sought to empower others.
At the end of my speech when everyone stood on their feet, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and love, and in my heart I hoped Andrew would be proud. Connecting with individuals and motivating them to live their lives to the fullest, to become all they are meant to be, is what drives me to continue to share my story, even on the days when I may not feel particularly courageous. I find that courage, however, when I remind myself if even one person feels inspired to move forward in their lives because I’ve talked about the difficulties and lessons in mine, then I must keep speaking.
While speaking itself is important, I find an even deeper connection after my speech is done and I get the opportunity to talk with people one-on-one. I am truly moved when an audience member chooses to tell me about their personal challenges. The depth of conversation created by each person’s vulnerability fills me to my core. I’m honored to be trusted with the deepest parts of someone’s heart and soul and to be present with them, to hear them, to see them, and to encourage them on their journey.
Before the weekend began, I was practicing my speech in my hotel room, using the Mississippi River as my audience. I felt a wave of emotion come over me as I found myself reliving the pain of Andrew’s battle with cancer, and for a second I just wept in gratitude for the opportunity to take the most difficult experience of my life and transform my pain into the catalyst and fuel to create more meaning and purpose in my own life and the possibility of my story doing the same for others.
Have you ever had a moment in your life when you felt completely overwhelmed with gratitude for where your journey has taken you? How both the good memories and the most difficult ones have all shaped you into the person you are today? That’s how I’m feeling these days and I’m excited about what the future holds. Tomorrow I will head to Bent Tree Bible Church to share with the MOPS, INC group. I still have to pinch myself when I realize I get to do something I love that has so much meaning to me and leaves me with a profound sense of being on purpose.
What are you grateful for today? What blessings in your life overwhelm your heart with thankfulness? What we focus on expands, so think about something today that makes your heart burst with love and let your thoughts inspire you throughout the day! I’m thankful for YOU! Truly appreciate you spending time with me today. LOVE and BLESSINGS!
PS – Do you or someone you know have a group in need of an inspirational speaker? If you want Ellie and me to come speak and sign some Ellie Project books, shoot me an email at [email protected]. My presentation is powerful, inspirational, and about living your legacy today! It’s good for men and women, corporate groups, mom’s groups, Bible Study groups, community groups, etc. We are excited to come share this powerful message with you!
PPS – Are you searching for new, fun, and meaningful ways to connect with a child in your life? Share the gift of building lifetime character lessons for each letter of the alphabet with The Ellie Project! To get your copy of The Ellie Project or The Ellie Project Stationery Set, click here!
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