It all started with this book by Michael Hyatt, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World…. okay, not really. The story GOES way back.
I love making people laugh. I've always loved it. I think it's part of that middle child, look at me, syndrome. As I grew up and got all serious and stuff, I stopped the humor. I didn't stop altogether, but I tried. Sadly funny needs a place to go and it would pop up at the most inappropriate moments like at the girl-parts doctor or a funeral.
Finally, I gave up on being all serious and stuff and gave into the funny. I just let go and starting being me– an off kilter, slightly frazzled and highly disorganized mess. To use a current popular term — authentic. To use an Alabama phrase — ‘what ya see, is what ya get.' This is about the time the Lord spoke to me (well not audibly or anything because it's not like I'm Moses and getting ready to set God's people free) about speaking and teaching. I thought how can I be ME and speak to women about Jesus. No one will EVER take me seriously.
But God is good and faithful. I spent years studying His Word and leading Bible study… and then I started speaking. I tried really hard to be serious. For the most part I made it, but there was still the occasional slip into the inappropriate funny. Apparently you are NOT supposed to make fun of anything faith related — who knew? And then I realized that I was listening to people who had has many issues and hangups as I do. I stopped listening to the negative people. I started listening to God. Funny is okay. Funny is good. Not the mean kind of funny that hurts people, just funny. The quirky way of looking at life — that kind of funny. It's who I am. It's who God created me to be.
I share all this to tell you about my LEAP of faith —
I'm doing Open Mic night at the Stardome Comedy club THIS Friday night, June 1 at 7:30pm! Crazy, I know. I've never done this in my LIFE — and I'm terrified! Absolutely terrified! But I trust God has a plan. He opened this door and He has shined a light on this path. I wish you could ALL come, but I know that's not possible. I'm only on stage for 5 minutes (which I'm sure will feel like FOREVER) but if you decide you want to come (there are about 10 other comics doing stand up & it's clean comedy) you can CALL the Stardome at205-444-0008 and buy an Open Mic ticket (make sure to ask for those because it's not the same as the main event ticket — it's in a smaller room which makes me go ‘whew!')
I'm excited, terrified and trusting Jesus! I would love to hear about what God's doing in your life!
I’m excited for you, Mary! I personally love a quirky view of life. And I think God does too! How could He not have a great sense of humor? I believe He’ll be in the audience cheering you on. He’ll probably bring along some angels who like to laugh too… Please post an update!
You sweet thing!! I’m so excited / scared to do this, but it’s in that fear that I’m praying more than I’m preparing. I’m trusting Jesus and trying to keep my focus on Him and Him alone!!
Sooo….wishing I could be there to cheer you on.
It will be a blast Mary. Just be YOU and God will shine through!
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I am so excited for you!!! I wish I could be there!
I wish you were too! Promise to laugh — even if you’re not there!
I wonder if this goes out in email??
Oh Mary! I so wish I could be there! I’m sure I would laugh until… well, you know…
So glad you’re putting what you learned from Platform into practice. I’ve enjoyed being on the Launch Team with you!
Wishing you all God’s best for Friday night!
~Heidi
Heidi! Thanks so much! It’s a huge LEAP for me! Terrified, but trusting Him! And I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, too. Love all the connections that are coming from this launch team.
oh… and, would you consider posting a video for those of us who can’t be there?
I’m bringing a camera…. we’ll see how it goes…
Mary, I love who God created you to be. I would love to have your personality. YOu are fantastic! It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I will be cheering you on all the way from Texas on Friday! I like Heidi’s idea. A video for the rest of us would be great. We need laughter too you know!.
I promise to post a video… if we can record it. I am sure we can. And I think you are just precious…. if ONLY you lived closer!!
I feel like this. (Not the part where I’m terrified to do stand up but where I try to be serious and just want to be funny.)
God created laughter. So wouldn’t he want us to be funny? That’s how I have to look at it. Because I get tired of the people who don’t appreciate my humor.
Love you!
I enjoy your wordpress web template, where did you get a hold of it?
It looks to me that this web site doesnt load up in a Motorola Droid. Are other folks getting the exact same problem? I like this site and dont want to have to skip it whenever Im gone from my computer.
The look for the website is a little bit off in Epiphany. Nevertheless I like your website. I might have to use a normal web browser just to enjoy it.
I believe one of your advertisements triggered my internet browser to resize, you may well need to place that on your blacklist.
It looks to me that this website doesnt load up on a Motorola Droid. Are other people having the same problem? I like this website and dont want to have to skip it any time Im away from my computer.