We are often asked the question, “How did you prepare for your career in radio?” And I wish I had an awesome answer like “I have a broadcasting degree.” Or “I started out working nights as an intern getting coffee for the radio hosts.” But in reality, I was working in a coffee shop and was offered the job.
Not only that, but I have always been insecure about the way I speak. When I was eight years old, we moved from a small town in north Mississippi to New Orleans. Need I say, I had/have a southern accent that has been the cause of many laughs? In addition, I have the slightest of lisps. Words always seem to come out of my mouth with an odd sound to them. Not a great combination for a radio host, eh?
But then I find myself in this position. Where one of my biggest insecurities is blasted on the airwaves every morning for Southeast Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, and yes – the world (through our website and apps) to hear. Embarrassing!
But then, for some reason, unknown to me, this is where God has placed me. And Iʼm reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christʼs power may rest on me. That is why, for Christʼs sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I hope that God is MORE glorified because of my weakness, than He would be if I spoke perfectly. For my part, I will continue to do the best I can and trust God to be perfect in those places Iʼm not. And when I stumble through and mispronounce words, I will choose to laugh instead of beat myself up about it.
-Julie