During this past year I announced during one of our services that I would like to begin a Bible Study. Part of this was also for selfish reasons as I felt drawn to reading and learning the Bible, and sharing the Word of God with others. Then I realized, since I started the group, it would be up to me to prepare and lead. Just like Moses, I felt inadequate for such a task, felt slow of tongue and knowledge.

So I frantically began looking for resources to help guide me in the procedure of running a Bible Study group. I wanted to find the right passages and right exercises to spark a great interest in our little group. In our first meeting, though still feeling ill prepared, I suggested a passage and we read. Sitting there amongst my friends in Christ, a calmness came over me and I spoke, but not from my mouth, from my heart. Strange words that I did not know I could speak, that seemed to sparkle and bubble up, like a shaken seltzer bottle, bubbling up from my heart and soul to share out loud. Words from this heart that loves the Word of God, that loves God.

Since then, I have learned that we all have the power and knowledge to share the Word of God. It is not only the trained or highly educated that have a direct connection or secret resources to share and speak of our love of God. We just need only to listen to our hearts and trust in God, as He said to Moses. "I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do."

Precious God, when I am reluctant to hear your word

and fear closes my heart,

when my insecurities prohibited me from sharing, stifle my speech and hinder my pen.

Then cast out a breeze upon my body to clear the clutter,

turn my doubts into dust and send them away.

Open my ears to listen,

open my heart to receive

and fill me with the courage to share your loving kindness

among my friends in Christ

and among those seeking your truth.  Amen.