Heard

Not only do I have a problem with being "visible" to others, and accepting the "ok-ness" of allowing others to see me, I struggle with being heard. Mumbling, softly spoken, monotone, mealy-mouth comments, all describe my communication style. Old tapes playing in my mind, "No one cares what you have to say", "You have nothing to say", "I might be criticized if what I say is wrong" over and over. Uncertainty, not confidence is conveyed most often when I dare to speak. But I am very encouraged by my Bible reading today, especially in two verses. First, 1 Timothy 4:15 says, "take pains with these things (my spiritual gifts) ; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all." I am to be so living out my spiritual gifts that others will see them. And that's not only OK, but it's one of the reasons for employing the gifts given to me. SO THAT my progress will be obvious to others! Wow! How foreign this concept is to me, the shrinking violet...It's more than OK to allow others to see my progress, because it's really God, showing Himself through me! And visibility includes my voice. My voice is one of the ways God provides the way for me to be seen. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) More reinforcement and admonition for me to allow others to see my works. It's OK. May I become faithful to let my voice be heard and my works be seen without any self-absorption or self-consciousness. Thank You, Lord.