As many of you know by now, I've been asked to come to Dover First United Methodist Church in Dover, Ohio, and speak on April 27, 2014. When Nancy sent me the instant message on Super Bowl Sunday night asking me to give a message, I thought back about the first time I ever spoke publicly. As strange as it seems, it was also on Super Bowl Sunday night.
When the day of the talk came, it was freezing. However, I was anything but cold as I paced back and forth in the house. I was so stressed about the idea of speaking in public! I was terrified to talk about Todd's death for fear I would just lose it and cry my eyes out in front of people. I allowed these wild thoughts to fill my mind with fear and torment most of the day.
Finally, I knew I needed to start getting ready. I was in the bathroom putting on my makeup when it began. I felt a trickle of something coming from my nose. I grabbed a tissue then saw what this trickle was. It was blood! I had gotten so stressed that blood was actually coming from my nose. I put my head in the sink. The blood started to pour out of my nose. I began to panic. Now, what would I do? The clock was ticking, and it was almost time to leave.
From out of nowhere, this thought came to my mind. "Kay, I did not give you this spirit of fear. I give you power, love, and a sound mind." I was startled at first but felt a peace filling me. I knew this message was coming from the Lord. Later I learned that this message was actually a Bible verse. "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
My nose stopped bleeding, and I finished getting dressed. I grabbed a handful of tissues and got in the van. I shared what God had done using me to bring something positive out of Todd's death. It was a wonderful experience!
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