Introverts

My own introversion is something I think about quite often (as an introspective intorvert will do). In a culture that is extrovert-loving, it can be difficult to be an introvert.

Although I was never overtly told that being an introvert is negative, I have often felt that way. Our society seems to value extroverted qualities such as assertiveness, out-goingness, ability to make friends easily, networking, and loud leadership more than it values the introverted traits of thoughtfulness, insightfulness, and quiet leadership.

As I've grown up and learned to love myself I've been able to see the value of my introversion and to recognize that some of the things I love most about myself stem from this very personality trait. I get lost in comtemplation, I think before I speak, I am calm, conscientious, compassionate, and introspective. I excel at individual tasks, enjoy time alone and in small groups, and love getting lost in the worlds of books, movies and TV.  I don't have a million friends, but the friendships I have are deep and long lasting.

I recently found an amazing blog about introversion called Quiet that can be found here

On that blog I recently saw a post about Introversion in the chuch and I found it valuable and interesting and I wanted to share a quote from it here:

"Even more dangerous is the tendency of evangelical churches to unintentionally exalt extroverted qualities as the “ideals” of faithfulness. Too often “ideal” Christians are social and gregarious, with an overt passion and enthusiasm. They find it easy to share the gospel with strangers, eagerly invite people into their homes, participate in a wide variety of activities, and quickly assume leadership responsibilities. Those are wonderful qualities, and our churches suffer when we don’t have those sorts of people, but if these qualities epitomize the Christian life, many of us introverts are left feeling excluded and spiritually inadequate. Or we wear ourselves out from constantly masquerading as extroverts."
Reverend Adam McHugh, author of the book, “Introverts in the Church,” and the blog, http://www.introvertedchurch.com/

There have definitely been times when I have felt inadequate spiritually because of my personality. But it is at those times that Moses has been the greatest comfort to me - the greatest Christian example of a servant of God, a great prophet who when asked to convince Pharoah to let his people go replies, "“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10. Moses was unsure that he could lead, but the Lord assured him that introverts are powerful with God by their side.

-M.E.