Where do I begin?
I've begun my motivational speaking career. Where it will take me, only God knows.
I was able to speak to the Silverlake & Sunnyside wards in Pearland just last week to share
"my story."
Without going into too much detail, I shared some of the rougher times from my life.
I was grateful for the opportunity to share.
Although I have so much more to learn about sharing and speaking, I was grateful for the response I received.
I am humbled to be a daughter of God who knows I can do hard things.
When I was 19 and trying to find who I was after a rough childhood, a friend wrote me something that changed my life.
"Monika, you're different than anyone I've ever known. People may expect things for you, of how you should turn out, or what your life will be.
Never mind them, go out there and crush expectations!"
CRUSH EXPECTATIONS.
how powerful.
And that is my message to the world.
No matter how hard, no matter how rough your past, present or future may be, you will always; ALWAYS have the power within yourself to crush expectations. Don't succumb to what the world expects out of you, reach for the stars and CRUSH those expectations!
Here are a few things I loved about what people wrote me after my presentation:
My heart broke for you. For your family. No child, no person...should ever have to endure any of what you did. And honestly, I thought "If there is anyone out there who thinks they are entitled to blame God or to not believe in Him, you would be that person." But you're not, He only made you stronger, and that is an amazing testimony of faith. I also felt joy at the end because I know you have your little family now, and you are all beautiful and your children seem so happy and so LOVED. they are wonderful.
I thought to myself....wow, this is a very very strong girl. Obviously God knew she could handle this difficult of problems. I remember thinking that I can't ever complain again....about anything. I felt grateful for my upbringing and also wondered if I could be that strong and hoped I could. I remember thinking....I can't believe there are people going through this and I have no idea and go about my days in a very superficial way. To be honest, I deal with a measure of anxiety, so the stories were very difficult to listen to. But, I had to remember that the world has a lot of really harsh realities. I was comforted when you said that you felt like God was by you and you had a strong experience that he was there.
You are truly an inspirational speaker and are able to captivate audiences not just with your story, but the way in which you tell it--without judgement or anger. But also, you are a great story teller. I seriously had a vision of you at Timer Out For Women or some big audience like that. I think the Lord has great plans for you in influencing first, your family. Through you, your children will see how to forgive and to have confidence regardless of what others say. Also, I think the women in your ward are going to be profoundly blessed by your example.
I felt many emotions, mostly a kind of sadness that I wanted to empathize with you. I also could feel your hope and amazing optmism you had. Lessons: I have such a huge responsibility as a parent. The way I treat my children really will mold and shape them. And, God did not desert you.
I was thinking......wow this beautiful strong women has been through so much I would never have guessed, which lead me to think about how different all our challenges are and that we must not judge but be kind and supportive to everyone.
So there were more than just a couple comments that I just loved so I had to share. Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback. Again, although I am nowhere near perfect at public speaking, I saw that night (and as I read the feedbacks) that the Lord had filled in the cracks. He had touched everyone in such a different way that each person learned different but yet, such important lessons.
I thank the Lord for all the blessings I have. As I continue this blog with this new title "crush expectations," I hope to share more of HOW I believe that anyone can overcome trials in their lives and truly come out, crushing expectations.
Monika Sampert
