[ hit in the heart ]

   heart pounding, i step onto the stage. papers in one hand, juggling a mic in the other.

   i hear my pastor saying things about me in the distance somewhere. my focus was on being calm. my thoughts were telling me "it's good. you were meant for this. you've got nothing to worry about. this is all stuff you know. you're gonna rock it. this is your family you're speaking to."

   it's sunday morning. i'm co-teaching with my pastor. 

   this is the second time he has proposed we do team-teaching together, and this time, i was feeling far more confident and secure. nervous, but knowing it was right nonetheless.

   as he leaves the stage to me, the attention switches to me completely. 

   "hi. i'm kayla."

   laughter from the congregation.