Embracing the Awkward and Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

“Hi, my name is Jessie. What’s yours?”

[pullquote type=”left”]But for me, introducing myself to someone new can be intimidating.[/pullquote] It’s just a simple introduction. But for me, introducing myself to someone new can be intimidating. It means starting a conversation, which sometimes goes really well…and other times, just becomes awkward.

This time I was at an event hosted by Scarlet Hope, a ministry dedicated to sharing the hope of Jesus with every woman in the adult entertainment industry. I was getting ready to watch a movie on the lawn with a few of the other female LTN interns and some of the women from Scarlet Hope.

Two girls were sitting on the front porch, and as far as I knew, no one else had said hello to them yet. [pullquote type=”right”]Two girls were sitting on the front porch, and as far as I knew, no one else had said hello to them yet.[/pullquote]

And so the struggle began. Should I go over and talk with them? What if I don’t know what to say after I introduce myself? But what if no one else goes over and says hello to them?

After going back and forth with myself for a few minutes, I walk over to get some popcorn and introduce myself to them.

Sure enough, I couldn’t think of what to say after they told me their names, so I said I just wanted to introduce myself and hoped I would see them again.

Awkward.

So why is a shy, introverted girl interning with an organization that promotes full-time nonprofit volunteer work (talking with people), Christian community (talking with people) and urban ministry (talking with people)?

The nine-hour drive to Louisville, Kentucky was filled with both nervousness and excitement as I anticipated serving with Love Thy Neighborhood for the summer. I knew very little about what to expect.

[pullquote type=”left”]It may only be home for 10 weeks this summer, but I know this is exactly where I need to be.[/pullquote] After the first night of hysterical laughter with 12 other college-aged girls, I knew this was “home.” It may only be home for 10 weeks this summer, but I know this is exactly where I need to be.

First, interning with Love Thy Neighborhood for the summer offers me real-world experience as a journalist. As part of the media and design team, I am creating online, audio, and video stories. The best part is the stories are all about the work being accomplished in the name of Jesus.

Second, I get to live in a Christian community. I am “doing life” with 12 other Christian girls this summer, from eating dinner to doing chores to spending time in the Word.

[pullquote type=”right”]It also means learning how to reach out to the people living right next door to me and building relationships.[/pullquote] Finally, I have the opportunity to learn how to love my neighbors. Yes, that’s going to mean a few awkward conversations. It also means learning how to reach out to the people living right next door to me and building relationships.

This summer is going to stretch me a lot, but I’m looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone!

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