Encouragement

   Hey everyone! So today, I want to share a few words of encouragement.

   It's no secret that our time and age isn't exactly the most friendly place to teenagers. Wherever we turn, we're bombarded by the standards our society puts on us. To be popular, to be upbeat, and many other things. Everyone has their own weakness, that they feel doesn't match up to the world's idea of what they should be. For me, that's social skills.

        I'm not the most outgoing person. I'd much rather stay in my room and write/read/watch tv than go out and mingle with strangers. I stick to my group, and I don't generally go out of my comfort zone. That's a mistake on my part.

             Yeah, I know. A little bit rough on myself you're thinking. But it's the truth. My weakness is just somewhere that God can show his strength, no matter how hard it is.

          2 Corinthians 12:9-Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (NLT)

           This verse is something I should pay more attention to. Instead of hiding myself behind my door, hoping I don't have to speak to anyone I don't know, I should speak up. I tried to listen to that small voice recently. For the 4th of July, my family and I went to see fireworks. On our way back, waiting for a bus, we were standing next to an older man who had a hat on. So special, I know. But it's what the hat said. 'Vietnam' and it was covered in pins, I'm guessing, for something he accomplished in the war. I wanted to ask him, but I was scared to death. I was standing with my dad, and told him I wanted to ask. He said 'Ask him'. It was two small words that frightened me. Two. Small. Words. I stood, waiting, for a half hour with that man next to me. The nudge wouldn't go away.

        I can only explain that nudge as God's Holy Spirit, spurring me on to do something, just like it drove me to write this post. After 30 min, I turned around, and asked the man. It was maybe a three sentence conversation, pertaining of me asking about his hat and thanking him for his service. But it was a big step for me.

           Everyone has their fright. Something that makes you nervous, something you don't want to do. But don't let it slow you down, I beg of you. As teens, we are more than scared child/adults who try to avoid doing anything that seems hard. God is our witness and He is there to shine through our faults. He knows what it's like to be in a compromising position. He had to speak and perform miracles in front of thousands of people! Jesus stood in a Temple and spoke to the smartest people there about their own expertise-theology! He understands whatever it is that scares you, and he made you that way for a reason. Looking for a way to avoid facing your fears only works for so long. Look for ways to use them for His glory instead. So, if your fear is public speaking, go out there and speak. If your fear is lowering your walls and letting people get in touch with your emotions, don't be afraid to be vulnerable. And if your fear is facing God's call for you, face it. It's better than anything you can imagine.
       -Kit Heart <3

                                              Wdut? 
              How do you think you can face your fears? Is there anything that's holding you back? 
    I hope God spoke to you through this, the same way I prayed He would speak to me and anyone who read it.