GOD WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

In 2008, I was one of the finalists at an International Toastmasters competition in Singapore.

Before applying for the competition, I told my friends about it. They tried discouraging me. They felt no one would understand my accent let alone go far in the competition but I applied and made it to the finals.

On the night of the finals, we were asked to speak on any topic of our choice. I think I was the 7th speaker to come up out of 10 of us. I was nervous and the way speakers before me spoke didn't help either.

A young man, about 5 ft tall got up and spoke about "the pursuit of happiness". His eloquence was so loud it deafened the room.

In my mind, I thought "Yes, that's the winner". I mean, can anyone come up with anything better. His words hit so deep and resonated that if my vote was representative of everyone else in the Lecture Theatre that evening, he'd be the winner. And, I was yet to speak.

My time came. I must say before getting on stage, it was as though I had lost confidence in myself, having listened to the previous speakers. I felt like my heart was going to drop off my chest as I was handed the microphone. And then, the still small voice came to me and said, "Now is the time. Believe in yourself". I took in one hard breath and opened my mouth to speak.

I spoke on the topic "Who are you and where are you going?" I noticed throughout the 5 minutes I was given to speak, you could hear a pin drop in the room. No one applauded any of my phrases as they did the previous speakers'.

It was an unusual topic for a competition of that standard. And then, I was done! The whole room applauded so thunderously... I knew something had just happened. Something that would last in the memories of everyone there for a very long time.

Three other outstanding speakers spoke after me but the room never remained the same after my speech - it was very clear something had hit.

The representative of the judges came up and announced the second runner-up and first runner-up and my name was not called. Then just before announcing the winner, he said these words, "Everyone speaks but great speakers inspire". He went on to say, "Not only was the winner's speech tonight captivating but we were also inspired!" He then called my name. I was so excited as I was not really expecting to win.

My point is, no one can help you to believe in yourself. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to believe in yourself. No man can be greater than his self-esteem. Yes, GOD WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

I believe in you.

- Dr Samuel Ekundayo | The Purpose Preacher