Hi everyone!
Anyone that knows me would tell you I can be quite the introvert around new people. I really don’t have a reason for it but I’m not great at putting myself out there when I’m getting to know people. Something in me always tells me that it’s better to seem quiet and shy than be to loud and risk saying “the wrong thing”.
One of the things I struggle with most is assuming I won’t “fit it”. I think once people get to know the real me, the clumsy and quirky me, they won’t like me anymore. When I went to Peru last summer I was terrified walking in to meet my team, that I wasn’t going to fit in and it was going to be a disaster.
It took me about an hour to realize I was wrong and that those eleven people were going to become some of my very best friends. A few days ago I got a card from one of my friends from my team and these are some things she said,
“I see you… and I love every bit! I love your quiet strength and also your outwards joy. I’ll never forget how you make sure everyone is heard, that means a lot to me. Meek Gentle Strength, you are loved, chosen, strong, beautiful, and incredibly amazing in general!”
SO SWEET!
These things were written by someone who truly knows me. Someone who has seen me thriving while having some of the best days of my life but also someone who has seen me cry as I walked through some really hard things.
Opening up to people is hard. Being vulnerable is hard. But being completely know and still completely loved is one of the most beautiful things in the world. Opening up to my squad, 45 other people who will be on this journey with me, won’t be easy but I am confident that it will be worth it. I am thankful for a God who fully knows me and all my flaws and still loves me.
Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26
Abby 🙂
