Ohhh….The nerves….

This past Sunday I spent about 2 hours with 5 other individuals who are being baptized on the 21st of this month. We had a short meeting about what to expect, the rules of what we are allowed to say and not allowed to say and then we had to do a ‘trial taping’ of what we would say on our baptism video.
I was feeling brave and confident that day and decided to go first. I think I got through, ‘Hello, my name is Kimberly Nunes…’ and the rest of the time I was a blubbering mess. I cried the entire time I was talking about my story to these complete strangers. Those of you who know how much I LOVE crying in front of people must have their jaws dropped by now. I kept my eyes focused on the table and didn’t look at anyone until I was done. As soon as I looked up I saw all of the women with tears running down their faces and I didn’t realize it at the time but the two gals next to me were rubbing my back the entire time I was talking. I took a deep breath, wiped my tears and said ‘okay, I’m ready to tape this thing.’ The two women heading up the meeting must have thought I was crazy. They probably thought it would take me several takes before I got it right which meant a longer wait time for the people behind me.
I walked into the room with the producer and camera guy, got as comfortable as I could with bright lights all on my face and got it in my first take! I was in shock and I think the producer was also. I had everything outlined that I wanted to say and I don’t think I said any of it. And to tell you the truth I really don’t know what I said. I don’t even know if I thanked everyone I wanted to. I guess I’ll find out when I’m watching it on the screen for the first time with hundreds of other people.
Our pastor Andy Stanley is doing a 5 part series right now on the ‘5 things God uses to grow your faith’ and his final message happens to fall on the day of my baptism. So before recording the video we were informed that Andy may use our baptism as part of his sermon at the end. That added just a smidge more pressure then I already felt. Normally you’re baptized after praise and worship and before the sermon. Never as a part of the sermon.
I am so nervous but also very very excited for this day. I’m even more excited for the wonderful people we have in our lifes that will be sharing this with us. I wish my sister and Ben’s family could be here, but I know they are in spirit.
Just recording the video alone was encouraging and meaningful. I can’t wait for the 21st!!!