photo by dreamcicle

The Problem

I would definitely consider myself an extrovert, but there are times when all I want to do is stay home and do nothing. Sometimes it’s because I’ve been hung on, hugged on, cried on and talked to all day and the idea of solitude and silence sound like a treasured gift.

Other times I just want to avoid people because I’m having a bad hair day. Or a bad complexion day. Or my dislike of clothes shopping is starting to catch up with me and I. Have. Nothing. To. Wear.

There are also times when the people I’m going to see just downright intimidate me, not because they’re mean or rude but simply because I perceive them to be everything I’m not…but want to be.

The Solution

But recently, I’ve think I’ve learned the secret to being confident in every social situation. (Although, I’m definitely still working on making it a habit…)

So, want to know the secret?

Prayer.

I know that sounds kind of pat and churchy, but please stick with me…

There have been many times in my life when I’ve been insecure about attending an event and on the way I did all I could to primp and pray that God would make me secure. It didn’t work.

The Method

Now, I’ve started praying on my way to events, but I don’t pray for myself. I pray like this:

God, thank you for this event and for everyone in attendence. I pray that You would use me to be an encouragement to each person I talk to.

Then I start praying specifically for each person that I know will be there. I try to think of everything I can about them and pray for their lives in detail.

Thank you for Victoria and the inspiration she is to me to be a great mom. Help her son to start sleeping through the night so that she and her husband can be well rested. Help them to find time every day to be refreshed and encouraged by You – so that they can be an example to their kids of a mother and father who love one another and love You more.

I pray that she would know the depth of Your love for her and that every bit of her hope and confidence would be grounded in your unshakeable love. Help her to be the mom and wife she longs to be.

The Result

Every single time I’ve done this, I’ve walked into the event in complete confidence.

Because by the time I arrive, I’M NOT THINKING ABOUT MYSELF.

God uses that prayer time to change my heart and make me care less about impressing people and more about loving them. I feel involved in their lives and never lack for conversation starters because I’ve already been thinking/praying so much about each of the situations in their lives. I am eager for updates.

As I pray I’m also often reminded how inspiring my friends are and I try to make a point to tell them that night and to encourage every person I meet.

Like I said, though, this is a work in progress. I don’t always remember to do it, but I want to. If you see me often, feel free to ask me if I prayed for you. I’d love to make this a regular drive-time habit.



(This post is part of WFMW.)