It is so normal for us to cling to, to remain in, situations and environments that are comfortable to us. We resist those things that threaten to move us out of those places. And one of those places of comfort, for those of us who are more the introvert, is to remain a bit quiet and not make waves. To keep a low profile.
However, I beg you, when you enter a room, notice who is there — intentionally approach whoever might possibly be alone. Try something different . . . take leadership. In a sense, take total ownership of every room you sit in or enter. By that, I mean that you can reach out to those who may be isolated, no matter how full or busy the room may be. Endeavor to do this, even if it seems somewhat faulty, trembling, or inarticulate. Just reach out to bring them in. Just be there!!
Whenever I walk across the room, introvert that I may be, and welcome a stranger, as ineptly as I may do it, I am 'dying' for her. Let me explain what I mean by that:
Many of you have seen the powerful movie, The Passion of Christ. What a comfort-busting experience that was!! Jesus died, literally died, for us. In a different way, and yet with similarity, we are called to leave our comfort zones and be willing to be hurt, if necessary, while trying to bring healing to others. We, too, must 'die' for others.
Another way that I have expressed this same thought — dying for others — is when I speak of 'going into the hard places.' When a situation is uncomfortable for us, or feels awkward, we typically hang back. But, nevertheless, being brave enough, bold enough, to do the right thing is being willing to go into a hard place.
So, it is in this sense that, when I notice an isolated perso, and reach out to her, I refer to that as dying for her, I am resuscitating her, and, in a sense, raising her from the dead!
In reaching out to her, or simply being there with her in support — that is what I call 'going into a hard place'. What a revolutionary thought!
I want to push this as hard as I dare. You must take ownership to make the world a better place, to care about strangers, to reach into uncomfortable places — even places where you’d rather not be.