The View from the Platform
Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 8:34PM As moderator of the Commission for Women, it fell to me to play hostess for the 30th anniversary celebration of the ordination of women, and so I have just descended from my very first journey onto the GS platform. I have a new sympathy for those who sit there all week. It is HOT up there. The lights are in your face. When you're speaking, your own face is flashing on a screen in front of you, which makes it a tidge difficult to focus on what you're saying. When you're not speaking, you have to pretend you have an attention span and try not to fidget or make strange faces while you try to decide whether to look at the actual person who is speaking or one of the many screens. There are tables upon tables of people, most of whom look terribly bored, or in some cases angry. You wonder if you're wasting people's time, if they'd rather be at the New Holland Brewery or in their beds.
Boy, am I excited to give the Commission report on Monday.
Truthfully, it wasn't that bad - once I remembered to breathe. But it did give me a different perspective on what it means to be leadership in this denomination. These are people who stand up there and look into the bored/angry faces and know that their words are being dissected and ripped to shreds. Of course, I am one of those who generally has my verbal scalpel well in hand, and I'm certainly not going to stop critiquing what is said by our leadership. But tonight reminded me that they're human too, and also that maybe "they" sort of includes me.
Reader Comments (2)
Hi Stacey--many years ago I, too, made a first GS platform appearance. In the midst of all the lights, pressure, etc, do remember to smile as it helps people hear what you are saying. : )
Stacey, I am sure you were excellent. Congrats on your first time up front and also on 30th Anniversary of the ordination of women!
Blessings,
David Vandervelde