I have been trying to be something I'm not for far too long. Part of that is because I *always end up alone. I want to be someone people want to be around, a blessing, a soother. But I'm not. What I currently am is tired. I would probably be your friend if I went to your church. I am thankful I stumbled on your blog (It was recommended because I read Chris Bray and Matt Osborne, amongst others.) Keep being true to who God made you, sister. Maybe if I keep reading I'll figure out who He made me to be.
OK, I'm no brainiac, BUT any man who won't listen to you is a jerk, and any man who's afraid of you is a wuss. Men might be simple-minded but if we truly believe in, and love, Jesus, we will not look upon women as inferior, second-class, irrelevant, etc. I don't know what else to say...
This resonates so much for me. Thanks for sharing. A really good book called "Work, Pray, Love" written by a female Christian executive, Diane Paddison, who shares her experience trying to fit her "executive" personality as a COO in a public company into the church environment (this was about 15+ years ago) and how hard it was. The church has difficulty utilizing our gifts as strong, confident, capable women in the real world and see them as a threat. When my pastor said,"I pride myself on never being alone with a woman", I later told him that it's really nice and convenient for him that he can say that, but in the business world, we don't have that luxury not to travel with men or not to go to business meals with men. I told him it was really short-sighted and arrogant to say that it's the "right" way to do things. Some of us can't draw those lines unless we work in ministry and we have to learn to exercise basic self-control and trust that the Lord will help us protect and care for ourselves. :). This is a whole gigantic topic! Also, Sheila Gregoire from the Bare Marriage podcast talks a lot about these topics. Thanks for sharing.
Ha! Yes. I just texted my mother last night these words: “I realize I get really passionate about things and come across strongly. I’m trying to work on that believe it or not”. Birds of a feather.
As an ENTJ (little dictator) who struggles to dial it back, you spoke my thoughts and experience. Yesterday I told a Bible study group that I’m cursed with questions. Ha! But I have learned that this is who God made me for His purposes and my job is to show love and understanding to others while being the person who gets things done. Creativity, wisdom and leadership are gifts. Sister, I hope you embrace yours.
You are NOT alone! That isn’t my enneagram but I’m an 8 too in mine and I can relate to all of your situations. God bless you and hold you up. Thanks for writing this too.
I have been trying to be something I'm not for far too long. Part of that is because I *always end up alone. I want to be someone people want to be around, a blessing, a soother. But I'm not. What I currently am is tired. I would probably be your friend if I went to your church. I am thankful I stumbled on your blog (It was recommended because I read Chris Bray and Matt Osborne, amongst others.) Keep being true to who God made you, sister. Maybe if I keep reading I'll figure out who He made me to be.
OK, I'm no brainiac, BUT any man who won't listen to you is a jerk, and any man who's afraid of you is a wuss. Men might be simple-minded but if we truly believe in, and love, Jesus, we will not look upon women as inferior, second-class, irrelevant, etc. I don't know what else to say...
This resonates so much for me. Thanks for sharing. A really good book called "Work, Pray, Love" written by a female Christian executive, Diane Paddison, who shares her experience trying to fit her "executive" personality as a COO in a public company into the church environment (this was about 15+ years ago) and how hard it was. The church has difficulty utilizing our gifts as strong, confident, capable women in the real world and see them as a threat. When my pastor said,"I pride myself on never being alone with a woman", I later told him that it's really nice and convenient for him that he can say that, but in the business world, we don't have that luxury not to travel with men or not to go to business meals with men. I told him it was really short-sighted and arrogant to say that it's the "right" way to do things. Some of us can't draw those lines unless we work in ministry and we have to learn to exercise basic self-control and trust that the Lord will help us protect and care for ourselves. :). This is a whole gigantic topic! Also, Sheila Gregoire from the Bare Marriage podcast talks a lot about these topics. Thanks for sharing.
I don’t think the issue is being with a man at all, but being alone with one. It’s avoidable, just takes more effort.
Ha! Yes. I just texted my mother last night these words: “I realize I get really passionate about things and come across strongly. I’m trying to work on that believe it or not”. Birds of a feather.
As an ENTJ (little dictator) who struggles to dial it back, you spoke my thoughts and experience. Yesterday I told a Bible study group that I’m cursed with questions. Ha! But I have learned that this is who God made me for His purposes and my job is to show love and understanding to others while being the person who gets things done. Creativity, wisdom and leadership are gifts. Sister, I hope you embrace yours.
You are NOT alone! That isn’t my enneagram but I’m an 8 too in mine and I can relate to all of your situations. God bless you and hold you up. Thanks for writing this too.
I see you.
I can definitely relate! Thanks for being a breath of fresh air! 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼