GiJiM Guest Writer: Jenny Grace Morris
Being so shy and quiet was truly an obstacle
Have you ever been shy? Perhaps you still are. Are you wondering if this is it and there is no possibility of change? As a child I didn’t know I was shy, I just knew it felt safer to hide behind my mother when people spoke to me, and have my mom always answer for me. I had a few friends, but never took the leadership role. I was considered the quiet one. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to participate, it was simply that I didn’t have anything to say; or so I thought.
As I reached high school and college, I attracted people who were talkative; people who enjoyed the fact that I was a good listener. But I wanted more for my life than to be in the background.
In Sunday school the teacher talked about how Christ healed people of diverse problems and gave examples of Christian healing in her life, yet it didn’t register that shyness was a challenge I could turn over to God.
During my college years my thoughts about myself were so turbulent that I was afraid to make eye contact with fellow students in the hallway. I started to realize that being so shy and quiet was truly an obstacle.
Healing started as I turned to God with all my heart
College ended but the shyness continued. I went to a party with my boyfriend and I was unable to connect with anyone. I found an empty room and stayed there until he came to find me. We did not remain a couple. A few years after our breakup I finally started to gain the tools I needed to be a great conversationalist. It wasn’t easy.
It occurred to me that through the years I encountered many people who had physical difficulties, which could have made them withdrawn or shy away from others, yet they had confidence in their other abilities, interacted well with everyone, and participated in activities, without dwelling on their disabilities. I wondered if I could do the same.
Healing started as I turned to God with all my heart. One evening I was walking by myself on the beautiful grounds of a local university and praying fervently to God, asking for release from this burden, when the thought came to me that there were so many future opportunities for me to bless others if I felt at ease and could communicate wisely and effectively. I don’t remember exactly when this timidity lifted or how long it took, but the process had started.
A few ideas towards healing
These are a few ideas that have helped me along the way towards healing:
1. I had faith that God had the power to take away the pain and fear associated with feeling apprehensive around people.
2. I trusted God to help me, and not look for causes for my demeanor.
3. I studied scripture and related to Moses’ speech impediment, when he feared to confront Pharaoh. He was assured that God would be with his mouth and teach him what to say. This would be true for me also.
4. I clung to the idea of selfless involvement and began the process by asking people questions about their lives until reaching out became second nature.
5. I needed to let go of prejudging what others might think of me. Every one of us are God’s children and we have been given the ability to see affable talents and qualities in each other as well as in ourselves.
Today no one ever believes I was shy
Now, many years later (a lady never tells her age), I am a performer who-enacts Susan B. Anthony with a trio of other “her-storical” women (depicted in photo), a voice actor, an emcee at events, a member of our local National speakers association and a coach, helping women clarify their calling.
Today no one ever believes I was shy. My daughter tells me that I have gone a little too far in the other direction because I start a conversation with people wherever I go.
If you have any similar feelings about being shy, uncomfortable speaking in front of people, or considered the quiet one, and want healing, I can assure you that what God did for me he can do for you. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NLT
Note from Deb…
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my guest writer, Jenny Grace Morris, for sharing her testimony. This hits home for me because I am shy and this has held me back in many ways. The good news is that Jenny overcame her shyness with God’s help. Too awesome!
I know that Jenny’s story will bless, encourage and give hope to many today. Her testimony reaffirms that when you ask God, you will receive (Matthew 7:7-8), and with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). You can overcome any struggle you’re facing today, when you turn it over to God and trust Him as Jenny did. God did it for Jenny and He will surely do it for you.
Jenny was my Christian Life Coach trainer 2008-2009. Though we have stayed in touch via e-mail and social media, we have not talked since then. For some time God has been telling me to talk with Jenny. Well, we finally talked April 23, 2021 and it was so nice, refreshing and uplifting.
While talking, the Holy Spirit prompted me to invite Jenny to share her testimony. Jenny didn’t think she had one; however, the Holy Spirit immediately reminded her that she did. When she shared it with me, all I could say is “Glory to God!” We were both so excited because we knew this is why God wanted us to talk. God knows that there is someone out there who needs this testimony. Amen!
Three more things..
Here’s another one of Jenny’s favorite verses “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV
Get to know Jenny better, visit her website Jenny Grace Morris Biblical Storyteller.
Read more about Jenny and Deb in Deb’s Story.
Say & Believe “Greater is Jesus in Me!”
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