Awaken Conference 2008

Well, I finally did it! I spoke at my first conference! Awaken 2008! Sure it was just to let someone know they needed to move their car so that a truck could get out of the parking lot-- but I spoke it with passion and fervor. Some bloggers have already said that it was "just an announcement."

So what if it was?! This mans dream has always been to be a Christian Leadership Conference speaker and speaking at a conference is what I did! Even if it was an announcement.

How important is an announcement? Well lets break the word down shall we? The greek word for announcement is "agkelia." If that doesn't impress you maybe this will. Three strong words appear in the word announcement-

1.An- The form of A used before words beginning with a vowel or with an unpronounced.
2. Noun- The part of speech that is used to name a person, place, thing, quality, or action and can function as the subject or object of a verb, the object of a preposition, or an appositive.
3. Cement- anything that binds or unites.

My point? Only that at Awaken 2008 this year, I , Larry Dawson L.E. went on stage and didn't just give an announcement- I opened my mouth and spoke something of incredible importance and significance involving a very off the path, unique form of A that connected a person, place, thing, and quality to another object of a preposition that united and bound stuff.

Wow.

Can I sum up the Awaken conference in two words? Sure I can. "Non-Drowsy Deodorant."
That's right- this years Awaken Conference was like wearing non-drowsy deodorant. Not sure if the product actually exists- but if it does, my Starbucks trips will dwindle drastically. I make that comparison to a hygene product because for me, the conference was fresh- spoke into my stress and uncertainty- and made sure that I would stay awake through these long difficult days.

In case you missed my talk at Awaken 2008, I have transcribed my speech here. Enjoy and I hope it inspires you. Hopefully they will give me more time next year.

"Hello Everybody. You may be seated.
Please turn with me in your books to the note taking page, as you may want to jot some of this down. I believe in spiritual gifting. God given talents and abilities. For some of you it may be encouragement. For others, hospitality. For many of you- you have a divine ability to sum up the main three points of your message in your closing prayer.
For me? Larry Dawson L.E.? Well, my divine moment begins right here! Right now!

In closing, I'd like to leave you with this.
You might be wondering what the L.E. stands for in my name. It means Larry's Envitation.
One of you needs to hear this! One of you out there needs to hear what I'm about to say and when you do- you need to act on it. It's why I'm here.

If you drove a Black Honda Prelude, License plate 78DHE50- we need you to move your car because you're blocking a truck. Thank you everyone. Thank you Erwin McManus for this opportunity! God Bless you all. "

Taken from session 10 in the Awaken 2008 Conference held in Pasadena, Ca.
No portions of this can be reproduced without prior written consent.