Out of the introvert

Many people know that I am naturally an introvert but throughout the 3 weeks of training, I kept hearing that you need to find your voice. There were times that I wanted to speak up but being someone that likes to avoid conflict, I decided to keep it to myself and “block” what was going on. I would later find out that I wasn’t the only one that had the same thoughts or feelings but nobody spoke up. Why not?

This is something that I am needing to work on. I have been told many times over the years that I need to speak up and let people know what I am thinking and give my ideas but I never do. Why is there such a conflict between me and speaking? I am hoping that during the 2 years of working in Texas that I will find my voice and become more of an extravert. It is my prayer that I leave the comfort of keeping things to myself and truly be an advocate to those that I am serving. That I come back at midterm or every quarter meeting and people can’t keep me quiet. Wouldn’t that be a change and possibly unexpected coming from me?!

 I was talking with my placement site and they asked me how I honestly felt about living on my own in a new place and it then came out that I am more of an introvert. Wait, did I just tell my placement site that is all about speaking to people and outreach that I am an introvert? Yep, I sure did and they came back by saying “you do know that this is about outreach, right?” Yep I sure do and I am ready for the adventure. I am ready to leave the comfort and be pushed. I am ready to rely on God every day and leave the introvert Hayley behind. I am ready for a new start and to see what God truly has in store for me.

These next 2 years won’t be easy and stepping out of the introvert and finding my voice isn’t always going to be easy. I guarantee that there will be days that I question what it is that I am doing and would much rather hide away in my room but I will push through. I know that I am not in this alone but I have God with me as well as journeying together with 13 other US-2’s and 15 Mission Interns. We are there for each other and to help in the times that we may not see progress.

So, stepping out of the introvert. That is my prayer and will probably be one of the harder things to do but I look back on the years that I have done outreach and even though I am more introverted, I will step out and become an “extrovert” and find my voice. What is there to loose by doing this? Nothing, that’s what but an even better experience and growing. Growing closer to God, growing closer to those I work with, and growing in knowing who God has truly made me to be.

 I look forward to discovering how this journey of stepping out of the introvert and finding my voice goes and I am glad to have people on my side and journeying in this adventure with me. We’re in this together, not alone!

I will end on this... 

Go and step out of the introvert and don't be afraid to find your voice since your voice matters!

The above song is one that was played at commissioning and the words are powerful if you truly listen to them and hear what is being said. I think it goes well with this post so I hope you enjoy it as I enjoyed the message of this song!