I Was Wrong
I am an incredibly stubborn person. Doesn’t matter how important the matter actually is; I pick my side and stay there. After all, who wants to change their opinion and admit that they’re wrong?
Such is the case with a certain activity in my life. A few years ago, speech and debate was the bane of my existence. It meant either a) lots of babysitting during club meetings and tournaments, or b) attending said club meetings and tournaments and suffering acutely all the way through. Participating was not an option, so I spent my time watching kids on the playground and reading books. It was misery.
Last year, with a good deal of shoving, I suddenly found myself immersed in everything I’d assured myself I hated. I couldn’t speak in public. I couldn’t debate. And I most certainly wouldn’t do this of my own choosing. And for while, most of it was true. But somewhere along the line, things began to change.
It wasn’t the speech and debate that changed my mind. There was no sudden enlightenment, no realization that I loved speaking to a panel of judges. Instead, there was the gradual understanding that I liked these people—I loved these people.
Attending a four-day tournament with a group of people is bound to bring you closer. Between nerves, a grueling schedule, and results that are both disappointing and exciting, you just don’t leave the same way you came. It’s hard. But it becomes something incredible.
For me, tournament season is over. Tomorrow night, my club will have its final meeting until next year. And for the first time, that makes me sad. It’s not that all of it was enjoyable—it wasn’t. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I’ve learned that it isn’t such a big deal to open your mouth and speak, and the friends along the way are worth everything else.
I was wrong…but I never could have imagined a more pleasant surprise.
Yay Bethy! I was wrong too.. yes, I thought I wouldn’t like speech and debate. I mainly did it for Christina’s benefit. But it’s wonderful! It’s amazing! My dearest friend, I am SO glad that we walked through this season together. After all, if we hadn’t done NCFCA, we would never have met! That’s worth the whole season right there!
I love you terribly, and I CAN’T wait till next year!
~Grace
P.S. VERY well-worded post, by the way. You are quite the artist with words. <3
Bethy!!!! Wow, reading that makes my heart………really happy.
I’m so happy for you and I’m so glad you did speech and debate, I mean this in a totally good way but it’s amazing to see how much you’ve grown and matured thoughout this year. You are incredible and I’m blessed to have you as my friend. <3
~Kathryn
I was the same way about blogs. I hated blogs until I found myself with one and now I love blogs… because of the awesome people you meet!
Out of the Blue:jane
OH MY GOODNESS!!!
I have been that way about things before, myself. Actually, we were in a speech club once called Speakers for Jesus. At first Bluejane and I dreaded every meeting, and put off writing our speeches until the last minute, if Mommy would let us, and so on. The first day was awful! But as time went on, I grew to like it somewhat. Maybe it was the organized writing of the speech from an outline, or something, I don’t know. Anyway, now, several years later, I am wishing that we could do it again!
Have a very bright, very cheerful day!
Miss Eyebright
Go Beth
Glad you had fun. Problem was you didn’t know it.
Stick Boy
Wow…
You know, If we had told you 2 years ago that you would write this blog-post,… You would have probably laughed (really hard) in our faces.
I’m sooo glad you had the courage and bravery to try speech and debate, and stick it out… to the best of your abilities. I can’t say enough how proud this club is of you, and what God is doing through your life. You are a MAJOR encouragement to everyone in ARC. Don’t Stop Beth!!
If Beth stopped, some people would be in serious danger of breaking into sobs. We love you too much to ever let you go, Beth, dear!
I am so happy right now, You ROCK! Wow, if my future came to me like 2 years ago and told me that you would say this, I would not believe, er, me? Anyway, Dear, I am so happy right now and Nationals will see you next year and so will i!!!! <3 <3 <3
Case in point—you guys are amazing.
You know, when I joined on to ARC, it was because I got hooked on debate. The rush just couldn’t be beaten… even by rides at Six Flags. That was cool and all, but I have to say that your reason for doing speech and debate is better.
God matters. People Matter. Debate doesn’t. (In itself) I have to keep reminding myself of that. Thanks for sticking with it, Beth. Keep lovin’ people. The world need more people who do.
Yeah, Y’ALL are amazing.
> Brian
Simple priority test:
Nothing is worth having if it isn’t worth hurting for.
Remember that, okay? (It was slightly ungrammatical, but get over it
) Don’t ever say that the pain was worth it, but rather that the pain is worth it.
This ride that we’re all on called “life” is a curious thing. It has ups and downs, good times and bad, it’s not over yet, and won’t really be until we see Jesus. But I hope that you’ll remember this as an example of how something seemingly so bad actually turned out quite well.
When my parents first thought about joining ARC I declared that I did NOT want to go! On the first day e=we went they literally drug me kicking and screaming, but after the first few times, I was actually looking forward to the meetings! It must have been Christina…
Will I see y’all on the 16th?
~Joy E. Huber
This makes me so so so happy
. I love you, and had such an unbelievably fun time in Arkansas with you! You rock, my dear.
-Avery
(nicely put post btw)