STAGE PHOBIA

“The church leader just called in, he said I would give a speech at the next Sunday school. Told him I have stage phobia but he wouldn’t hear that.” Stephanie complained to her dad who had just stepped into the living room.

“Then go ahead and do it”

“Dad!!!”

“Yes, honey”. He smiled “I believe in you and I know you are going to give a very wonderful speech. Even the pastor can see your potential”

“Thanks for always believing in me, but what I need now is for you to call in the pastor and tell him to substitute me with another person. Dad, you know I have never been able to talk in public; it scares the living dead out of me. I know myself and I know I can’t do this. At least not this Sunday that the General Overseer is coming” She said sobbing.

“Baby, there’s no need crying”

“I just don’t want to embarrass myself. I don’t want people to laugh at me. I might even pee on myself before am done. Daddy pleeeeassse”.

Sitting down on the couch he beckons on her to come sit close to him. With her face pouted she dragged herself close to the dad. “There is nothing you cannot do my child if only you can always believe in yourself. There is no one living who cannot do more than he thinks he can. If I believe in you the least you can do is to believe in yourself.”

“Yes dad”

“There’s a risk to doing everything. You don’t become a failure by failing but by not trying at all”.

“Thanks daddy”

“That’s my girl, go write your speech and when you climb that on Sunday, remember the faces you would be speaking to are not waiting to devour you”. He said patting her back.

With smiles she hugged her dad tightly. “Thanks Dad, I will always remember your words. I would give it my best shot” she winked.