Have you ever heard the lie, “You don’t have anything helpful to say.” Or the lie that says, “You are an impostor, you have made too many mistakes so why would anyone listen to you.

I hear these things all the time. They are lies. I have made a lot of mistakes, but I also have learned valued lessons. And it seems like the best stories I have to share are the ones where I have either made a big mistake or everything has gone wrong.

Like last night. I was driving to speak to a small group of guys and I ran over a pallet on the highway, my oil light comes on and when I stop for gas and check the tires the starter barely cranks the engine. I arrive and all I’m thinking is how I forgot to complete two tasks and I did not notify someone of a new procedure. The lie, “Why are you even here, they don’t want to hear what you have to say, you are a mess.”

I spoke to the group and then I told a family story at the end of the meeting. I told how I had personally matured by carrying for my older parent. The story spoke. It meant something to the group.

Despite the day, and the lies I heard in my head, I had something to say. And so do you.