It all starts with an idea…

Last week as I was getting ready for work, my wife said, “I could totally see you being a speaker someday.” Her words seemed to come out of nowhere.

I paused and looked at her. “What did you say?”

“I said I could totally see you being a speaker someday.”

Little did she know, I had been wrestling that idea in my head for weeks. I was just too scared to tell anyone. Her encouragement was the catalyst I needed. It was time to pay attention to what I was feeling in my heart.

The next morning I woke up earlier than I have in years and I grabbed an old, dusty journal. It was a high school graduation gift that I had been given thirteen years earlier. At the bottom of the page, I penned three words:

I am here

Those three words were the recognition that my past experiences had led me to this moment in time. This was a moment of discovery. I saw, with absolute clarity, certain decisions that had shaped my past. These weren’t coincidences, they were puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly to create a bigger picture.

As I connected the dots, I began to feel a calling. It was a feeling beyond my ability to explain. This was something deep, a unique a part of who I was and who I was created to be.

It was as if I had tapped into my calling.

Trusting the Inner Voice

Thirteen years ago, I was asked to give my testimony at church after a mission trip to the Bahamas. When I stood and shard, I didn’t feel fear. Instead, it felt like my spirit was on fire. It was one of the most exhilarating feelings in my life.

Since then, I’ve had numerous opportunities to speak. And each time, I’ve been met with encouragement. People have always told me that I needed to speak. I responded kindly, but shrugged off the suggestion because I was convinced no one would care to listen to my story. In fact, I wondered if I had a story to tell.

But today, I’m making a decision to listen to those voices no longer.

Instead, I will listen to the voice that says:

Don’t doubt your heart, don’t doubt your story, don’t doubt Me.

As I continued to write in my journal, I flipped through the pages from years past. Although they were covered with dust from lack of use, I quickly recognized unique moments. The pages skipped days, weeks, and even years, but they consistently pointed to a truth.

My heart has been calling me for years.

Advice from a Friend

I have this overwhelming feeling to listen intently to what my spirit is saying. I can’t explain why, but I feel urged to respond. The demands of three small children and the responsibilities of running a business provide plenty of excuses—excuses I will no longer listen to.

As a starting point, I reached out to a friend who has been a corporate speaker for more than twenty years. His encouragement was overwhelming.

He looked right at me and said, “Matt, don’t let what is good keep you from what is great. You need to start writing.”

“About what?” I sheepishly replied.

“Grab a pen, it will come to you.” He replied.

This blog is a step of faith to trust what my heart is saying.

I am going to write.

From here forward, I will put pen to paper and see what happens. Today’s words are the byproduct of my first step. My prayer is that in some way, it will encourage you.

Should you care to join, I’d love the company.

MH

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25 Responses to It all starts with an idea…

  1. libbybailey09 August 12, 2013 at 7:12 pm #

    love that you’re pursuing this, matt! excited to be a part of the journey 🙂

  2. Gle August 12, 2013 at 7:39 pm #

    Good Luck Matt. I will be waiting with great anticipation of the greatness that lies before you.

  3. Linda Altobellis August 12, 2013 at 9:29 pm #

    Matt Ham, you will be a success at whatever you choose to do with your life…I wish you the best and keep the faith!!!

  4. Brian F. August 12, 2013 at 9:29 pm #

    Glad to see this happening! The journey takes faith and gives belief.

  5. Larry August 15, 2013 at 6:38 pm #

    Ok you’ve started. If you have a passion , a goal and maybe even a calling then your depth and thoughtfulness of your actions will dictate the success of the journey
    I preached to my daughter constantly that in any endeavor “FED” focus, energy and discipline is critical. The test is always if your thoughts or more important your actions are not moving you towards that goal, reassess before you wake up and find yourself in a place you did not want to be
    Good Luck on your journey
    Beanie

    • Matt Ham August 15, 2013 at 7:32 pm #

      Thanks Beanie! Great advice!

  6. Loren DiGiorgi August 19, 2013 at 12:09 pm #

    Some of the best advice I got in life came from Andy Andrews. His book, “The Traveler’s Gift,” is one I read and continue to re-read. Each time I read it, it’s just as fresh and encouraging as it was the first time I read it.

    Good for you in recognizing Christ’s greatness in you, and for pursuing inspiring and motivating others through public speaking or wherever the whispers lead. Are you a member of Toastmasters? I’ve joined and really enjoy it.

    I found your post inspiring and motivating, so you are off to a good start!

    Take care, and all the best,

    -Loren

    • Matt Ham August 19, 2013 at 1:05 pm #

      Loren,
      Andy is great isn’t he?! “Mastering the 7 Decisions” is a great in-depth look at “The Traveler’s Gift”. Another great read. I will look into Toastmasters in my area, I am familiar but have never participated. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and engage!

      • Loren DiGiorgi August 19, 2013 at 3:21 pm #

        Yes, Andy is fantastic! I also have the Mastering the 7 Decisions journal and agree it’s a great read.

        I’m really enjoying Toastmasters and am glad I joined. It’s definitely helped. I’d also like to move forward in doing more speaking, and it’s definitely helping. Good luck in the pursuit!

  7. mgspeaks January 2, 2014 at 12:10 am #

    This was so good to read as a dad of three who wants to think excuses count. Thanks Matt!

    • Matt Ham January 2, 2014 at 5:38 am #

      I love hearing from others in similar walks of life! 3 kids make for great content right!?

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