Out of Insecurity

It has been quite a while since my last post so I thought that I would take a stab at an entry. Usually I have some funny or crazy incident to inspire me, but I can’t think of any at the moment. Right now I am watching the Golden Globe announcements which thus far have been quite boring. I am sad the traditional show isn’t happening this year, but as I struggle to put down meaningful words I respect the writers who create the wit and emotion that I appreciate in my favorite shows. Hopefully they will come to an agreement soon.

The holidays were a great break but now it is back to business. Work is busy which I prefer and I feel like I am finally getting into the swing of things. I promised myself that after the new year I would kick life into high gear. That means getting involved, meeting people, and just getting out of my comfort zone more. Many of you didn’t know me in middle school, but I was so shy and insecure I couldn’t even order for myself at McDonald’s (my brother ridiculed me to no end about that). I am so grateful that God brought me out of that place of timidity into the full realization of who I am in Christ. I mention this particularly painful part of my past because today in church I sat next to an eighteen year old girl who is exactly like I was. I introduced myself to her and we chatted for a while. She has been going to this church for several weeks but had never spoken to anyone. I cannot imagine moving to a new city with that same amount of excruciating insecurity. I hope I can see her next week.

As part of my meeting new people pledge, I hosted a girl’s night with some of my new friends last weekend. After dinner, a fire alarm went off in building next door for 30 minutes, but there was no smoke. Finally a fire truck showed up and the girls decided to whistle off my balcony at the firefighters. It was so funny! After that we broke out in a game of Loaded Questions. Basically, everyone answers a question and then the person whose turn it is has to figure out which answers belongs which person. I LOVE this game. I am used to playing where everyone tries to make up the most bogus answer possible, but this time we tried to answer truthfully which was a really great way to get to know them. One of the questions was, “How would you describe the person to your right?” I was described as “bubbly” and apparently everyone knew that had to be me. Maybe that means I am trying too hard and should tone it down a bit. I think sometimes I try to overcompensate because I clearly remember that girl I was in middle school. We ended the night by watching, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” All in all it was a great start at cultivating these friendships.

Basically, I am trying to figure out where I fit in this new city. Praise Jesus that I am not the same girl that I was when I was fourteen. I am really excited about my church and my new friends. I am learning so much and being challenged in so many different ways. I can’t wait to see what’s next in my life. Happy New Year to you all!