Seven Day Scriptures: Day 1

For seven days straight I will be sharing scriptures which I personally enjoy. I’ll try to also give a personal testimony to go along with the scriptures. I’m doing this because I wish to be a little more consistent with my blogging, as well as be consistent in ministering and making time for Christ. Let’s Begin.

Too often, because of my speech impediment, I have trouble getting my words out . It especially disheartens me when I struggle on my name.

One unpleasant memory I have with trying to get my designation out is when I was a high school senior. Yes high school. The days and place where people’s opinions almost seem to matter more than your own. Anyway, myself and a couple others were facilitating Freshman Orientation day. My group was in charge of showing the incoming Freshmen some chants to do during pep rallies. When it came time to introduce myself, I of course struggled. I noticed a couple Freshman snicker at me.

You little punks, I thought. You’re lucky I’m not the senior who would torment you your first year. Oh well. I’m sure you won’t laugh after you learn I can sing. Luckily one of my friends said my name for me, noticing I couldn’t get it out.

To makes things more frustrating, often when I do manage to get my name out, the listener still gets it wrong. I’ve heard Danid, Devon, Davin, but I have yet to have someone get David on the first try. Either I’m not saying it loud or clear enough, or people don’t clean their ears or listen very well.

What is my next move? I whip out my handy iPhone and get the typing, to save the listener the trouble. As I’m typing out my name on the notepad, a couple thoughts run through my mind. No, new person, I didn’t just get a text message. No I’m not disinterested in talking to you? Please don’t think I forgot my name. Typing my name may seem extra to you, but I’m not stupid. Honest!

“Oh it’s David”, says the new person.

I nod my head.

Imagine having to deal with that every time you introduce yourself.

This past Sunday ,as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I tried a method no speech teacher had ever taught me. I thought about the scripture I often quote at the beginning of the day or any time I am facing a difficult situation. The scripture is Philippians 4:13, which says

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

In reference to that scripture, I kept saying over and over, “It is through my Lord and Savior Jesus that I am able to speak.” I even threw in “My name is David” right before that just as a way to practice introducing myself. As I continued loading the dishwasher and cleaning off the stove, I recited aloud as many written words that I could see around me, which included the stove; recyclables; food packages; and the refrigerator magnets.

One thing in our kitchen that really stuck out to me was a magnet I received from a coworker which read, “Our God is in control. Knowing God has a plan for our lives is important. Putting our faith in God’s plan allows us to trust that the events in our lives are meant to be. It helps us to make choices that must be made and realize things are not really out of control- they are under His control. There is a peace that can be found knowing that His plan is playing out in our lives. -Rick Norman”

Though my stutter has not disappeared, I am grateful that I have a new technique to help with my speech. As the magnet on our refrigerator says, God is in control of all things and He has a plan.

My name is David Harris, and it is through my Lord and Savior Jesus that I am able to speak.