I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about, praying about, and speaking to others about my individual “gift”. It’s a difficult conversation to have with yourself but even more difficult when you’re constantly being reminded that you’re not walking in it.

Let’s be clear, we can’t confuse our gift with talent. You may be asking what’s the difference, Great Question! Talent is something that you’re good at, example you have the voice of a singer. Your gift is what you do with that talent, example singing to be a comfort to others. What’s kept me in conversation is not having a clearly defined talent and believing I didn’t have a gift.

People have always told me I’m good with words, I’ve chalked it up to public school teachers that cared and parents that checked homework. I still remember the day I realized my ability to tell a story was more than that. It started out as a simple Facebook post that someone commented on. The individual also sent me a private message to explain in detail why my words “ministered” to their situation. I remember tears forming as I read the testimony, I also remember telling myself that day I don’t want the responsibility of “ministering” to anyone – and that’s the day I started running from my gift.

I’d still make post but kept them limited to “my thoughts” thinking I’m one of a kind, no one shares those thoughts. Well, I was wrong! People had those thoughts but lacked the ability to put them into words.

Writing is a talent I possess! I am finally starting to accept that as such but question daily how can that talent take my “gift” to the next level. The answer came to me in the form of friends, patients, and a few strangers …… just write and your words will reach someone that needs to hear them.

I woke up this morning not thinking what am I going to write about, I opened my eyes, thanked the Lord for life, and started writing. For the first time in years I’m putting my thoughts in an open space in hopes that someone will be encouraged.

In case you’re wondering what my gift is, I’m a helper.

“If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.