Reach Out
God has laid on my heart that there is someone out there (maybe it’s you?) that is lonely and is possibly intimidated about this blogging community. My heart aches for any sense of pain you may be experiencing. Please know that there are so many wonderful and caring women in this circle of the blogosphere that would be blessed if you reached out to them.
I’m very shy and I found that I had to pray to Jesus and specifically ask Him for the courage to step out of my comfort zone so could I reach out to strangers. I started by commenting on a few blogs that I felt a connection with, usually with a question so that the blogger would write back and if they didn’t, I was suddenly okay with that. I knew I had to make the first move and I was always glad I did, reply or no reply. Each time I commented, it got easier and easier.
I want you to know that I know what it’s like to sit on the sidelines, not sure if I should put myself out there. I know what it’s like to feel inferior and not as “Christian” as some of the other bloggers. I know what it’s like to be embarrassed and insecure. I’m here to tell you that Jesus will give you the courage to get past all of that and reach out to others. I’m here to tell you that you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams when you do!
2 Cor 1:3-4 (NNAS) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Lord, we pray to you to help us open our hearts to those readers who may need a friend. Please give them courage to contact us and give them patience when we don’t respond as quickly as we would like to.
May we all be blessed by reaching out to others and use this community to spread the good news of the Gospel!
Oh Amen, amen. I am shy too, believe it or not. Seriously.
Great post.
What a lovely post, and gesture.
But I don’t think you should compare yourself to other people.
You do your best to be a good human being and that’s enough.
I don’t think being a good Christian makes people comment and become a friend.
To be honest…I feel that even Jesus didn’t care more about people who lived up to all the rules and regulations. He didn’t care more for those who strived to improve themselves, but he cared for those who wanted to improve the live of others.
I landed in the give-away and joined.
It was fun.
But here in my country, with a different culture) it’s not important how we call ourselves, and we certainly don’t put on our blogs which our religion is.
Because it’s not about the name and the label, it’s about who we are and how we live.
Hugs
Oh Terri,
This is a wonderful prayer and beautiful post filled with love. I pray along with you my friend.
Terri,
What an incredible post for me today! I have recently added music to my blog and was nervous about playing some of the Christian music that I listen to, that people would shy away from visiting. But I had to be true to myself and to me, my blog is a reflection of myself. And I am a believer in Jesus. So, on went the music and the response has been really great. One person who I thought for sure would never return actually commented that they had that song on a CD and listened to Christian Worship Music.
So, I do understand the fear of what people will think, but I also hear the voice in my heart saying play that song, or pray for that person. That voice (The Holy Spirit) is a part of me too.
So, come on by today and listen to Casting Crowns, Who Am I.
You describe me pretty well Terri. It isn’t easy to reach out when you feel shy to begin with. Thank you so much for this encouraging, loving post. I know it will bless many.
Bless you my dear beautiful blessing of a friend.
Great post Terri. Years ago I used to be a “wall flower” but have found over the years that I have gained confidence in who I am. Not due to anything I’ve achieved, or learned educationally, but because today I have a greater understanding of who I am in Christ and that makes all the difference.
When we see ourselves through the eyes our Father in heaven we begin to have a great understanding who we are. Part of my passion is helping women understand who Christ says they are.
But alas….I still sometimes find putting myself “out there” for all the see difficult. A work in progress…. Blessings….
I think bloggers often are those who are “shy” in real life–I know I am. What a lovely post Terri, I know there are many of us out there and that blogging has created a beautiful community of Christian women –mny of which get left out in real life fellowship.
Oh, Terri, your so sweet. This is beautiful. Thank you for uplifting my spirits today…
You are brave….I think so.
Though I wrote some post about my faith before…But just a few…That time I thought it it my faith..If I wrote more about my faith on my Blog which would make my ashamed to complain…Because I did not want others who visited my blog knew that I am a christian, but also same with others…
But after got to know you…so many wonderful sisters in Jesus here on net..I know that I am so blessed to write posts about my faith…encourage myself and others…
I know that I still have my weakness..and sometimes will stumble..but thank the Lord that he accompanies us all the time..
He change our weakness to be strong.
great post. i love how God can use anything. Satan uses the internet for all kinds of evil, but God uses it for fellowship, healing, teaching, comfort. Awesome.
You are right, Terri. We can help in the time of need. Sometimes we are just too shy to step out and reach out for help. I know that I have made wonderful connection through the internet. Sisters in Christ, who will pray for me, if I need it right away…
Thank you so much for encouraging others to step out of the comfort zone.
Be blessed today and always.