Some of you know that I recently joined Toastmasters. Last Thursday, I was asked to introduce myself by giving my first speech called The Ice Breaker. The objectives are to begin speaking before an audience and to discover speaking skills you already have and skills that need some attention. You only have four to six minutes to present it.
I’d like to share with you my Ice Breaker speech which I titled, “The Battle Within.” Was I nervous? You betcha! Did I stumble? Ah, yeah … but you move on and finish. By the way, I won the best speech of the night. Go figure. You never know the outcome if you don’t put yourself out of your comfort zone and try.
Thank you Mr. Toastmaster.
Hi, I’m Mary Ann. I’m a published author, currently working as an Inside Sales rep for a customer service company in Sugar Land, Texas. I am happily married to my best friend for 22 years, and I have four amazing children and two adorable grandchildren.
I was born in New York and raised in Miami after my parents separated when I was 3, and divorced by the time I was 5.
I lived with my single mother and we were dirt poor. There was no money, no food, and no love. Now, when there’s no money, you don’t have any shoes, and you get a lot of eviction notices. When there’s no food, well, you’re hungry all the time. And when there’s no love, you feel isolated, insecure, and invisible. Being forced to grow up too fast, wearing shoes too big for my feet, and being my mother’s mother, crippled me emotionally.
At an early age, a battle was raging within me and that was the feeling of being “less than.”
Ashamed of my upbringing, heritage, and status, I felt only the ritzy kids went to summer camps, swimming lessons & Girl Scout gatherings, but not me; I was always on the outside looking in.
In my teens, I grew bitter and thought that I could do better than my mother, I eventually ran into the arms of a ruthless man, twice my age. He was an alcoholic, a womanizer, and a brow-beater, ruling with an iron fist. All the while, I struggled with that battle from within called insecurities. I wore a mask to try to cover feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth, which clouded my vision.
He and I eventually did marry. By the time I was 22, I already had my 4th child. I was merely a “baby machine” to him, and he constantly fed my insecurities and never let me forget I stood under his feet. I felt I couldn’t do better, so I stayed in that relationship. I felt trapped but I made the best of my situation for my children’s sake. Long story short, that marriage lasted 15 years. I guess I finally grew up.
In retrospect, it wasn’t until I returned to the God of my grandparents that my mind, past, and emotions were healed. I know now that what I endured yesterday as a child, and as a young adult, made me the stronger woman that I am today.
A few years ago, I decided to write my memoirs for my kids so they would understand some of the history, struggles, and hardships that I, their mother, endured. I wanted them to know that no matter what, our past does not have to dictate our future. And it’s been my present husband who encouraged and supported me all along, telling me, “You know you need to write for other women so that they can be inspired.” He was right on.
Although no longer ashamed of my pain, do you know I constantly fight a battle from within? I DO! I still struggle with low self-esteem. But deep down, I know that I have God on my side now. He not only had given me the grit to come this far, but He also has given me His grace to carry me through every obstacle that I have ever faced! I learned that the battles are not mine but they are His.
In my book, “Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace,” I share the coming-of-age journey of a girl’s refusal to be defined by her environment while seeking inner-healing thru her brokenness. We all have a story. No matter your past, you can still be a person of worth! And it starts with a made-up mind!
I have joined Toastmasters to help me battle from within so that I may gain confidence during book signings, attending book clubs & author’s events in helping me overcome the fear, the insecurities & the nerves when it’s time to open my mouth. You see, it’s one thing to write a book, it’s quite another to be able to stand, look folk in the eye, and speak to them. I know I have something to say and I am here to learn how to say it well.
Thank you.
Reflections From the Heart 
Inspiring. So glad you decided to share your story.
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I’m honored. Thank you for commenting.
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Wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for stopping by! Love your writing!
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Thanks so much!
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Reblogged this on David Snape and Friends – The place to show off your hidden talents.
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Hi Mary!
Well done! That’s not just a great speech but a beautiful testimony of the power of God. I’m sure it’s an opportunity for others to look to God for hope as well.
Praying all is well with your husband and every family member. God bless you! 🙂
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Thank you, Shade. God is my hope when things look bleak and hopeless …
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Well done my friend… excellent!
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Hugs to you, girlfriend!
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That was an inspiring speech! How courageous to share such intimate details. Congratulations. I’ve always wondered about Toastmasters but not really sure what they’re all about.
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Thank you so much! Have you ever been to a writers’ critique group? Well, this is like a a critique speaking group and you’ll have different assignments and tasks to participate. It develops confidence, etc. May I suggest that you visit a couple closest to you? (No two are alike.) Let me know 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! There are so many to choose from! I’m sure you can visit several and check them out in your area. “Never too old to learn!” Cheers! 🙂
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Hi Mary, good job on your speech. I’ve never heard of toast masters, now I do. Hearing your story always amaze me with your strength. After meeting you I do believe and I know that you will be successful in your future with your insecurities and I know you will make one great speaker one of the best.
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Geri! How have you been? I think about you from time to time, how could I not? I’ll never forget when I was a guest and took part at your wonderful book club, how you honored me with a two page hand-written letter! I covet your prayers. Thank you so much for your encouragement and pushing me onward! Hugs!
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You are an over-comer, and have my respect and admiration. I have close relationships with some men in our church who like myself have come through addictions and all sorts of destructive backgrounds that should have killed them, or left them for dead on life’s battlefield. But as they met and came to know Jesus, everything changed. Now like you, they are examples of how to deal with the past and move on to a life full of grace and potential, in spite of the dents in their souls. And they can say to others “Hey, I’ve been there. Get up. Let’s go forward.”
So happy for your boldness to speak up in public. You will touch and influence many lives. Would love to hear you. Bravo, and blessings. crossingpaths.net
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Thanks for stopping by, Michael. Loved what you say about “dents in their souls.” Never in a million years would I ever imagined that God had anything like this in stored for me regarding my past! So glad that He continues to perfect all of us who looked to Him for guidance. Happy to know that you are a beacon to the men in your circle. Blessings to you!
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Wonderfully written! I bet it was even more powerful to have heard you speak. I see why you won. 🙂
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Appreciate your kind comments, Cheri. Like I said, I messed up a bit right from the get-go, but I continued and warmed up. I’ll see about sharing the audio of this speech next.
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I would love to hear it. 🙂
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((blushing)) stay tune …
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This is great. Your story sounds like Cinderella
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Thank you so much, although most times I feel like an ugly duckling. 🙂
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Well done Mary! Congrats. ❤️🦋❤️
Cate
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Thanks for the support, Cate.
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Bravo! You are an inspiration~
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Cindy, thanks for the compliment!
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Wonderful, Mary Ann!! 🌺🌺
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Thanks so much, Liz!
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