Monday, March 16, 2009

Professional Communicators Summit - My First Lesson!



What a gift the Professional Communicators Summit was for me. Ken Davis's Lighten Up Ministries held this three day seminar in Nashville and taught me much about building a professional speaking business.

This week I will blog Monday-Friday on five lessons I learned.

My first lesson? Get After it!

One of the first lists I was encouraged to create at the Professional Communicator’s Summit in Nashville was a list of my assets. Nothing financial. But a list of what God has given me to use to love on others in His name.

At first the only thing I could think of was “Well, folks say I’m funny.” But I knew I couldn’t stop there. I am not a comedienne. I’ve tried at times to tell jokes to others, but it just hasn’t worked. Lots of awkward silence. Even my best friend and husband will look at me after I tried to tell some jokes and say quietly, “Um, okay honey.” :0)

Although I always have success with my favorite joke. I can tell this because I have some ADD in me. For sure. Here it is:

How many people with ADD does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Wanna ride bikes?

I love that joke. I love to laugh. But what are my assets that will help me communicate Jesus’ love to others in a way that will be interesting and substantial?

Aha.

I started my list and with each letter, each word, confidence followed. So many times in my life I have downplayed the gifts God has given me. It has been a habit of mine to look around and say to myself, “Well Lord she can speak for you. She’s probably better than me. Go ahead and use her.”

No more. Time to stand up. I will never be the best or worst speaker for God. But I will be me. And with the assets that God has given me, that is plenty!!

How about you? What assets has God given you that you can use to love others for Jesus? This may be explaining well, baking a great cake, affection, crafts, technology, athletic ability or countless others.

Don’t downplay it and think that someone else can take YOUR PLACE! No one can. There is only one you! And God can’t wait to let you and your assets loose on your world! So go ahead and make your list.

Stand up and get after it!

5 comments:

Joanna said...

That's a very reflective question. I'm so glad you had a great time at the summit. I'm looking forward to reading more about what you learned. Thanks for sharing!

Fletch said...

Yes...get after it!!!

Dr. House

Danica Favorite said...

This is great, Robbie! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to the rest of the week.

Denise Miller Holmes said...

Whenever someone asks me to list my assets, I freeze too. It actually takes courage to look at the self in a positive light. That may be a good blog: why do we hate to list our good points? Glad you're learning and can't wait to find out more!

Robbie Iobst said...

Jo, thanks and I still have your dishes!:0)

Dr. House!! Love learning from you - thanks for reading my blog!

Danica - You are such an encourager!

Denise - You're right! Thanks for stopping by!