This past week I was asked to help with a lesson in Relief Society for today. When I was asked I defiantly was scared. Since I've never taught a lesson before, I never knew my way of teaching. Everyone has those different ways they teach. I kept thinking in my head, which way would be good for me. All week I've been thinking about what I should teach and how. Praying and studying for it, i knew it would help me at the moment I will speak. The scripture
D&C 84:85 came to my mind.
"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man." I put trust in those words. And acted upon them..
Even though it may not sound like it was a big deal to talk for 15 minutes in class, I wanted to make it good and teach in a way that the spirit will be in the room. This morning I decided to do my scripture study in Alma chapter 12. As i got to verses 24 through 27, the spirit really testified to me that I can do this! That I can teach this lesson! In verse 24 Ether says, "And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to read them. (25)Though hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words. (26) And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness." Either explains that his writing is not like the brother of Jared. His words are great and powerful but not very good at writing them. He was scared to write them because of what people may say to him. I don't feel very strong and powerful when I speak, but if I ponder in my head and write them down, I feel more confident about my writings but not my speaking. The Lord says, don't worry what they may say, "my grace is sufficient for the meek" He will help us when we are submissive/obedient to his words. The Lord continues to say in verse 27 if we come unto him, he will show us our weaknesses. And by faith, he will make those weak things become strong. This testified to me, the Lord made us just as we need to be. No matter what weaknesses we may have. We have them that we will be strengthened through his grace. A way we learn is going through hard things. I know one of my weaknesses is speaking in large groups. I start shaking and stumble my words. This scripture brought me comfort because I felt that I don't need to worry what others may think of me or what they may say, because I am strengthening my weakness by practicing it and having faith that It will become a strength.
After a ton of studying and prayer, the time was for me to go up and do my part. My heart was pounding but I knew I had to do it. As I started, I felt more peace and wasn't too scared. I finished right on time and thought I did a good job. Before, I though I wouldn't have enough to say. I did better then i thought I would. The funny thing is that I didn't even talk about half the stuff I planned to. My lesson plan was changed but didn't even notice it until I was finished. I felt the spirit in the room, and knew I had it with me. I'm very grateful for the opportunity today to teach a part of the lesson. It is one of my weaknesses, I can say that. But now I will remember that weak things do become strong. As we continue to do the things that strengthen our weakness they will become strong. This opportunity did help me become more confident in my teaching. I feel a little more prepared to leave for my mission. I know that I will be able to teach in a way that the spirit will be there if I treasure up in my mind the words of Christ. I have more confidence in my self now. I was happy to be able to share the Gospel to those sisters and share my testimony. I am even more excited now to share what I know to the people in England.
