A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers [her] into the presence of the great. 

– Proverbs 18:16 NIV

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 

– Philippians 2: 23 NIV

I was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Round Rock, Texas. Many aspects of my upbringing could be considered ideal. My parents provided all my needs and most of my wants. I always knew I was loved and supported, excellence was demanded, and mediocrity was not an option. As long as I can remember, some aspect of my life revolved around speaking and writing. My parents were the first great orators and writers I was exposed to and they made sure that I was involved in church, civic organizations, and extracurricular activities (all of which involved speaking and writing). I was three years old when I gave my first speech and five when I won my first speaking competition. Some people say speaking and writing is in my blood, but I have never been comfortable doing either.

What may appear effortless to others is quite a spiritual process for me. I am an introvert and very shy in certain situations. Much of my aversion to writing and speaking can be attributed to the otherness that I always felt growing up and well into my 30s. Many mistook my shyness for being standoffish or stuck up, so I found solace in writing, reading, and being my true self with an intimate group of trusted friends. I loved to read biographies because I connected with the life stories of people who were misunderstood but learned to use their voice for something far greater than themselves. 

When public speaking opportunities came through church programs, academic competitions, or civic organizations I felt obligated to take them (sometimes very reluctantly) because in the Winn family that was just what we did. Despite my trepidation, people took notice when I spoke. When I realized people were blessed and encouraged by what I had to say, I slowly began to embrace the gift of speech God had given me. Imparting something that would help others live victoriously gave me purpose and a way to connect with people through my lens of the world. 

While I have learned how to embrace my fears and insecurities to allow God to do what He desires in me, I am still a work in progress. Why would God choose to use someone whose first response to communicating with others is fear and not faith? The answer is simple. So that He can get the glory!   God took my misery and gave me a ministry. I am always amazed at how God sends people my way so that I can help them break free from what hinders them as communicators.