Conquering Fear

One thing that terrifies me is getting up on stage in front of a large group of people. I've done it many times but have never gotten over that horrible feeling you get right before you go on. I remember wishing those butterflies in my stomach would carry me off on their colorful wings, right away from the scary task at hand.

Last spring, I fell in love with my son all over again when he mastered this same fear by getting up on stage by himself and singing "The Cowboy Song" while strumming his guitar. I could see he was getting anxious while sitting in the audience waiting for his turn to take the stage. As his mother, I was probably more nervous then he, hoping he'd finish the song and the audience would embrace him.

He was one of several teens who auditioned for and participated in a variety show at a school for kids with learning disabilities. I can't tell you how many times I cried as I watched each person take the stage and give it their all.

Here's a pic of my son giving his all, and bringing the crowd to their feet as they clapped and danced along with him.

Next time I have to get on stage, I'll think of these kids and how they mastered their fear while touching the lives of so many.

How inspiring!