- Become an Expert
The first time I heard this phrase, I cringed. I’m the type of person who likes to live life by the seat of her pants. Becoming an expert meant work to me. Then, I realized I was already an expert.
I remember when I first partnered with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I thought, “Wow! How did I get here? I’m serving along side of some very talented women of God. This is exciting! I can really help people.” That’s what I did for years. I helped people—thousands of people draw closer to God. Then one day, Lysa, issued a challenge to become excellent at what we do. Our team was introduced to Rob Eager. His favor word was ‘Expert.’
“Y’all all look alike.” He revealed. “Each of you needs to become an expert in your own field of expertise.” Rob added.
I decided to take the challenge. I had to discover my specific calling and then specialize it in. How did I do that? I prayed-a lot; I wrote down my passion; I reflected on my messages; and before long, I had a brand.
Fear Less. Live More.
From there I began focusing all of my speaking and writing according to my brand making me the go-to girl on topics of overcoming emotions and living large for God.
2. Do the Work—Results will follow.
After you determine your calling, you must work toward becoming an expert in that field. I happen to be allergic to work so I knew it was going to take real motivation to get me moving. I found motivation in my relationship with Jesus. My love for Him compelled me to serve. That I was doing. Now, I had been challenged to do it with excellence. This meant it was time to “bring it.”
I decided to hire Rob for personal training. Like any type of training. It was hard stuff. I had to remind myself daily that I was paying this man to tear me down and then build me back up—better than before. I have to say, it was a success.
After working with Rob, my confidence grew in my area of expertise. I gained more speaking engagements, and learned how to create value in a way that didn’t just touch lives but transformed them. I also learned to do the work. Results have followed.
3. Like Who You Are
While it’s good to look toward mentors such as Beth Moore for inspiration and motivation, you must remember to be yourself. God already has a Beth. He doesn’t need two. He need’s you. You’re the only you the world has so embrace yourself. This was a hard lesson for me to learn.
When I first began speaking, I thought I was supposed to be posed and professional. That was my image of the perfect communicator. The trouble was… I don’t do posed and professional. I’m too down to earth. I also fought my accent. Being from the south, my accent runs deep. For years, I searched for a voice and diction coach that could teach me to speak like the people on the 6:00 news. During my search, most of my speaking engagements were in the north. This only enhanced my insecurity. I remember thinking, “God, you have a strange sense of humor sending me to the north repeatedly.” I didn’t find it funny at all. In fact, I tried to fight back. Have you ever took on God before? If you have, then you know how it ends. He wins.
But before He won, I had to wear braces for 2 ½ years! During that time I spoke like southern Sylvester the cat . Eventually, I surrendered when it dawned on me that God knew where I lived and who I was when He called me. Surely, He had a plan I could trust. Once I did trust His plan, my speaking became more natural and I felt completely free to be me!
The same is true for you. When you were born, God didn’t look down from heaven and say, “Hum. What am I gonna do with her.” No! He knew exactly His plans for you before He laid the foundation of the world. He knew He would need someone just your size, with your accent, and your personality—with your experiences, your hurts, and your heart. So the best way to succeed is to love yourself. God can’t use you like He desires until you choose to be simply you.
Teresa Stowell says
So true! Part of this is similar to a blog I wrote in Oct “owner’s manual”. God is so good to reveal himself in similar ways to those that don’t even know each other.
You’ve been an inspiration! Thank you for sharing the real you!
MarLo Huffington says
For the record, I’ve always LOVED your precious accent. Thanks for the insights and words of great advice. I hope our paths cross again in the near future, I miss seeing your lovely smile in person!
Vanessa C says
All I can say is “Amen!” Thank you for encouraging me so much today…I especially needed to hear those last two sentences. I can’t wait till the conference in July. I’m saving my pennies 🙂
Carol says
Micca – thank you for the big smile that i’m wearing. 🙂 “Have you ever took on God before? If you have, then you know how it ends. He wins.” “When you were born, God didn’t look down from heaven and say, “Hum. What am I gonna do with her.” ” I love both quotes. I’ve never heard you speak. But if it’s anything like you write, I have a feeling I’d like listening a bunch!
Melanie Dorsey says
This is very helpful. Thanks!
Christine Mc says
Wow this touched me deeply – brought me to tears. This is a great lesson we all need to learn and take to heart. Thank you for the inspiration.
Christine Mc
Glynnis says
Great message! Thanks for sharing the tips, and making them come alive with your story. You are awesome just the way you are.
Laurie says
I really needed to hear that tonight! Thank you!
Susan says
WOW! I “discovered” your site through Proverbs 31 and have added it to my daily devotional hits. I am a southerner and can so relate to the accent, I’ve not heard you speak but am sure that God has created the perfect Micca 🙂
Your last paragraph is so “God” and powerful and I have captured it in a place I can reread it daily to be the Susan He created me to be! Thank you for being so real and honest, keep up the good work!!
B says
I love this Micca. It speaks to this speaker. God wants all of us to be an original. This reminds me to embrace my strengths and work to be better in those areas. I went to a speaking and writing conference a few years ago. (Before She Speaks) My leader told me no one was going to be able to understand me because of my accent. I was stunned. While I admit to being very southern, I never experienced anyone not understanding my words. She suggested I call a voice coach she recommended. I did. We had a great conversation over the phone. He told me he had no problem with my speech and I couldn’t change my roots. He said, “Be yourself.” I was free from her remark after that. Trying to be someone else never works in any area of life. Thanks for writing this post. B
Angela says
Love this post girl and it is exactly what I needed to hear! EXACTLY! Thanks for letting God continually use you in my life.
Much love,
Angela