Opportunity and Fear

I am in a class at my high school called Political Radicalism. The class is designed to expose students to radical thoughts and challenge set suburban dogmas. I think this class was designed with me in mind. I've already been forced to address personal prejudices, subscribe to a socialist philosophy, adopt a vegan diet–and it's only been one quarter. I love passionate people. I love people willing to share what they hold to be true. My class has heard a number of speakers so far this semester and not one of them alike. The only common theme in their presentations was their passion and zeal. Their idea may not be popular or easy–but they were ready to defend their perception of truth. I admire that kind of tenacity.

I was sharing with my Poly Rad teacher, Mr. Strausbaugh, about my One Dress Campaign and he informed me that we were going to have a speaker come in at the end of April who was going to share about sex trafficking. I was naturally quite excited and interested.

 "Would you be willing to give a presentation in class about your involvement with the issue?" he asked.
 "Sure!" I eagerly replied, envisioning myself giving a five to ten minute introduction to my mini-campaign, and maybe passing out some cards with facts about sex trafficking.
"Ok great!" he smiled "How does the 25th of April sound? There are Poly Rad classes during periods 4, 5, 6, and 7. Would you be willing to miss some of your other classes for this? Just a short 20 minute speech–nothing big." My heart pounded a little faster. Twenty minutes? In front of ALL of the Poly Rad classes?! (Pretty much all seniors at my school take Poly Rad.)

Check out the 25th...there's my name on the official Poly Rad calendar! 

Sharing in front of my peers is daunting. What do I have to say that will interest them? How can I talk for twenty minutes without stuttering!? Will they take me seriously? Waves of insecurity drown my thoughts. And then I remember Micah 6:8. "Do justly, love mercy and walk humbly." I have been given an opportunity to advocate for the freedom of thousands of women and children and I'm afraid I might be laughed at by some guy in the back of the room who thinks my grey dress is baggy? I have been given the opportunity to share something I am passionate about and I'm nervous that I might stutter around a bit? My fear and insecurity must be thrown away in my pursuit of justice. I am no hero (all I'm doing is wearing a dress for pete's sake!), but I have been given a chance to speak for those who have slipped under the radar for far too long. I bet I will be nervous, and I'm positive I will stutter and someone will laugh–but that will not deter me from setting forth my best efforts despite my fear.

I'm so thankful that God uses small people and small actions. I will be praying the entire time I'm presenting to my class about sex trafficking and the Daughter Project, and I have faith that the Lord will be with me.

I'm glad I get to be a part of God's grander plan. Yes, I will stumble and embarrass my way through, but He will never leave my side.

Some various grey dress days! Sorry I haven't taken a picture every day (my sisters wanted me to document my every outfit) but I promise there have been many repeat outfits and nothing too creative. I'll try to get better at documenting my adventure in my grey dress.

My sweet dog Dolly is quite supportive of the whole campaign as you can see.