I’m dyslexic. I switch letters and numbers when trying to spell out loud or input a number into my phone. My eyes frequently skip down to the line below making it necessary for me to reread sentences often so that I comprehend it correctly. Yet, I’m a writer. I have kept a journal since middle school, written blogs off and on since high school, and am working on a book about grief. Writing is my catharsis.
I used to be terrified and get shaky if I needed to speak to a crowd larger than 10. My palms would sweat and my voice would crack. Forget talking into a microphone; hearing my own voice at a heightened volume made me feel nauseous. I got a bad grade on my first speech in my college speech class because I spoke too fast. I managed to get my grade raised when I explained to the professor that he could either have me speak fast or have me slow down but janitorial services would need to be called in after class. Yet, I’m a speaker. Nothing brings me more joy than speaking to groups of 10, 100, or thousands. I now feel most at home with a microphone in hand getting to encourage, challenge, and laugh along with those in attendance. Public speaking is now my favorite thing to do.
I am an introvert. I don’t always project that to others because I’m not shy. However, I recharge best alone and need far more time to myself than my extroverted children will ever understand or allow! I find rest in solitude, especially within nature. Most often, you will find me meeting someone for coffee, taking them out kayaking with me, or delivering food to a family. People drain my energy and social situations shrivel my soul like a raisin. However, I know that God can always refresh my soul and that loving others well is Kingdom Work. Spending quality time with people and loving them well, brings this introvert joy.
I’m not sure what your “things” are. They’re probably not the same as mine. I do know that you have them though. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what your “things” are. What matters is that you don’t let them keep you from doing the Thing God has called you to do. That Thing is loving others well. Romans 12:13 says, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” See a need and fill it.
It may be through handwritten notes, text messages, podcasts or painting. Find the things that bring you joy even if it seems counterintuitive; let God use them for Kingdom Work in whatever way He chooses. You have so much to offer! God designed you uniquely to contribute to the needs of those around you and to show hospitality. Hospitality literally means “love strangers well”. With God’s help, no matter our “things,” we can all fulfill this charge in scripture.
Sincerely,
The Dyslexic Nervous Introvert
Connect with Rachel:
http://www.instagram.com/
Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/
About Rachel:
Rachel Schelb lives in the Tampa, FL area. She loves tacos, breakfast food, and kayaking. She has been married to her best friend, Andy, for 12 years and has two small kiddos. Rachel is incredibly passionate about the biblical call to show hospitality, or as she puts it “love well on purpose.”
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