I remember as a little girl people would ask me, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” I’ve always thought the answer should be, a good wife, a good mother and anything else that girls were supposed to be. My dream for many years was the standard dream and it included being what everyone else wanted me to be. But as I got older, God blessed me with courage, strength and wisdom. He granted me enough wisdom and courage to have a true picture of what I want to do with my life.

I believe God has called me for me to step out of my box and become a motivational speaker. I believe that one day I will travel the world and I will preach His words. His command is that I study and practice to show myself that I will not be ashamed when I begin to speak and that is what I have been doing lately.

Last week at church I announced that Jesus has appointed me to speak for Him. While some were surprised, others seemed genuinely happy and excited for me. People may wonder, how in the world is she saying that God called on her to speak His words at the age of 82. The good news is God can call on you at any age. God called on Moses and Aaron at the age of 80 and 83 to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Daniel was well over 80 when he was thrown in the Lion’s den and Zacharias and Elizabeth (John the Baptist parents) were both well advanced in years when God gave them the important task of bringing their son into the world. So like the folks say, “Won’t He do it!”

I’m stepping out of my self-imposed box and into what the Lord has for me. He has given me directions so I am moving full speed ahead. I was talking to my daughter the other day and she said, “what are you getting ready to do?” I said, “I was studying my speech.” She asked me if I was speaking in church later and I said no, I’m just practicing for when the time comes.

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”

Gen. 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you and wherever you go and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Matthew 28:209 “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Be blessed in Jesus’ name.

Mary Simmons is a columnist for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. She can be reached at Marysimmons6@hotmail.com.