Some dreams are planted quietly. And when they bloom, all you can do is whisper: Here it is, Lord.
Have you ever imagined something so clearly—hoped for it, prayed for it—only to watch it unfold right before your eyes?
That’s what happened to me.
I had just finished watching the winning speech of Cyril Junior Dim entitled, “Ndini.” He was the 2022 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking. Then, an unexpected opportunity came in 2022. It was an invitation to help organize a webinar featuring him as the keynote speaker.
My heart leapt. I could barely believe it.
The dream had already begun stirring in my heart. And then God said, “Now, watch this.”
What It Meant to Lead
I’ve been organizing events since I was 23. But organizing an international event isn’t easy. It takes time, coordination, and the strength to lead even when you’re uncertain. But I felt honored. Humbled. And incredibly grateful.
This wasn’t just about pulling off an event. It was about saying yes to a calling.
Thanks to God’s grace and the collective effort of our incredible team. This includes #TeamLRC, the Los Baños Toastmasters Club, and Past President Rodge Panuelos Jr., as well as especially DTM Betsie Krueger. We turned a vision into reality. Your trust meant so much to me.
This was never about me. It was always grace. Always teamwork.
And yes, the universe conspired.
Everything is a Process
People often see the finished product, not the process.
The webinar didn’t go as smoothly as planned. We had to reschedule due to Typhoon Paeng. Tasks piled up. Doubts crept in.
But I kept going back to my WHY. To the vision God planted. To the belief that everything has a purpose—even the delays. I trusted the process.
And you know what? That pause made room for more. We reached more people than we initially imagined. It all worked out—because we didn’t give up.
5 Small Ways to Trust God in the Process
📌 Pray Before You Plan
Invite God into the work before it begins. A whispered prayer can shift your entire approach.
📌 Return to Your Why
Write it down. Speak it aloud. Let your purpose ground you when things feel chaotic.
📌 Pause When You’re Overwhelmed
Step away. Breathe. Rest is not weakness—it’s wisdom.
📌 Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t wait for the big reveal. Every step forward is progress worth honoring.
📌 Surrender the Outcome
You’re responsible for the effort, not the results. Let grace fill the gap.
Embracing Imperfection
Cyril reminded us that there is no perfect event, no perfect speaker, no perfect organization.
“Even in that imperfection, there is still connection.”
And that hit me hard. Because I often feel like I’m falling short.
But real connection isn’t about perfection. It’s about honesty.
About being human.
Cyril’s Words Stayed With Me
While listening to Cyril, I couldn’t help but feel like every sentence was a quotable quote. One that stayed with me:
“One of the most important things you have to convince yourself is that the universe—or the heavens or God—is conspiring to help you succeed.”
That’s when it hit me:
This wasn’t just about organizing an event. This was about witnessing grace in action.
And I say: YES.
So to God and the universe—thank You.
For the grace. The favor. The wisdom. The people.
And the chance to serve, all for Your glory.
My Truth: I Am a Working Mom
Many don’t know this, but I’m a working mom of two young kids. They are ages 8 and 3. Both with a rare blood condition called Beta Thalassemia.
During the webinar, I brought my whole family with me to ensure a stable internet connection. That’s how much this moment meant to me.
Raising a young family is hard. Showing up with excellence in spite of it? Even harder. But I’ve learned to give my best, then surrender the outcome.
I’m not perfect. But I’m consistent. And with God’s grace, I’m still here.
What Cyril Reminded Me
He said:
“To be a good speaker, be a good person first.”
That truth hit home.
Because good doesn’t mean perfect. It means honest. Real. Human.
It means forgiving yourself for what didn’t go as planned, and still showing up for what matters.
A Gentle Reminder
Not every success will be seamless. Not every story will follow the script. But if the dream is planted in your heart, trust the One who put it there.
Because the God of the Universe listens. And He responds—in perfect time, with perfect peace.
Here it is, Lord. You placed this dream in my heart for a reason. May You always be glorified.
If you’ve been carrying a dream, a message, or a calling that feels too big or too far away—this is your reminder to trust, take the next step, and keep showing up.
Because the dream was never just yours to carry alone.
So dear friends, guests, and Toastmasters—
Declare what you desire.
The God of the universe listens.
But more importantly…
it listens to the brave.
Take the leap. Let grace lead.
P.S.
Fast forward to today—I had the courage to reach out to Cyril. He helped me refine my speech for the international speech contest. Full circle moment.
A big shout out to my most favorite WCPS, Cyril Junior Dim!
Your speech, “Ndini,” was the very first speech my mentor, DTM Betsie, shared with me. I was deeply moved—not just by the words, but by the power behind them.
Your message made me embrace who I am and helped me find my voice again. Your words are proof that stories change lives.
We may stand on different stages, but we all have the power to make a difference—one story at a time.
Thank you for being an inspiration.