Comments on: Finding Stories http://doableevangelism.com/2009/05/18/finding-stories/ What if evangelism meant just being yourself? Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:44:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: April http://doableevangelism.com/2009/05/18/finding-stories/comment-page-1/#comment-18385 April Tue, 19 May 2009 03:51:55 +0000 http://doableevangelism.com/?p=1508#comment-18385 Thanks, Randy...I think the surprise for me is that it didn't come "naturally." Even though I'm fairly outgoing, I find it difficult to deliberately insert myself into a group of strangers and start the conversation rolling. If it's difficult for me, then how difficult must it be for those who are introverted and shy? Thanks, Randy…I think the surprise for me is that it didn’t come “naturally.” Even though I’m fairly outgoing, I find it difficult to deliberately insert myself into a group of strangers and start the conversation rolling. If it’s difficult for me, then how difficult must it be for those who are introverted and shy?

]]> By: Randy http://doableevangelism.com/2009/05/18/finding-stories/comment-page-1/#comment-18382 Randy Mon, 18 May 2009 21:00:39 +0000 http://doableevangelism.com/?p=1508#comment-18382 Great observations, April. It is remarkably easy to sit right next to someone and not say a word. And I suspect, as you do, that a lot of people are just like you and me in this regard. Some really just want to be left alone, of course, but most would relish the opportunity to be heard. A simple, no-obligation comment can really be a way to let others know we're interested in them. I liked this part: <blockquote>I made a conscious decision to find a seat near people I didn’t know rather than near those I did. </blockquote> That's like a spiritual practice, an intentional effort to be available to others all around us. Sometimes that's all it takes...proximity...to communicate that we're open to listening. Other times we may have to initiate a conversation. Thanks for this helpful (and doable) illustration of how simple, beautiful and powerful the small things can be. Great observations, April. It is remarkably easy to sit right next to someone and not say a word. And I suspect, as you do, that a lot of people are just like you and me in this regard. Some really just want to be left alone, of course, but most would relish the opportunity to be heard. A simple, no-obligation comment can really be a way to let others know we’re interested in them.

I liked this part:

I made a conscious decision to find a seat near people I didn’t know rather than near those I did.

That’s like a spiritual practice, an intentional effort to be available to others all around us. Sometimes that’s all it takes…proximity…to communicate that we’re open to listening. Other times we may have to initiate a conversation.

Thanks for this helpful (and doable) illustration of how simple, beautiful and powerful the small things can be.

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