For weeks, I walked into choir rehearsal and Sunday services at church, not knowing much about the people I spent hours sitting next to, and realizing they didn’t know much about the real me.

I craved those opportunities to really learn about the group of people who I felt were kindred spirits with the same passion for music and worship. And I wanted to be able to share pieces of myself. But I hated the feelings of insecurity that would cause me to shrink into the background, and stop myself joining a conversation or from stopping to say hello.

I only spoke to those who spoke to me, thinking “if they don’t talk to me, they don’t want to talk to me.”

I remained quiet as others shared prayer requests and praise reports, thinking “what I have to say is not important.”

But this week, I got the chance to have a real conversation with a group of women whose voices resonated in lower tones like mine. Fellow altos. We talked about their loves, frustrations, how they found our musical ministry and how they found their place in it.

I learned a lot of things I didn’t know. I also realized that in a ministry grown from megachurch members, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle and find yourself trying to blend in with the background…all the while wanting others to know you, and use your gifts to capacity.

It was a moment that made me see that I have to prepare my gifts and make a way for them to be received at the right time. I have to speak. I have to share. And I have work to build real connections with people.

It is my responsibility.

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Linking with The Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday.  Today, we write with the word real in mind.

You can join too.

    1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
    2. Link back The Gypsy Mama and invite others to join in.
    3. Encourage the writer who linked up before you.

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  1. Hi Claresa! I am praying for you to make the connections you are longing for! I have been there many times, and still struggle with those thoughts often. However, you are following the one who is not of this world & will overcome! He made every hair on your head and knows you inside and out. Keep praying & singing!

  2. Claresa,
    This is very good. Thank you for being transparent and open. It is hard reaching out to people, but you’re right…it’s your responsibility. You’d be surprised how many people don’t speak to you because they are too shy.

    Blessings…Susan

  3. Often it is easier to hang in the background, but connecting brings a great richness to our lives. “I have to prepare my gifts and make a way for them to be received at the right time. I have to speak. I have to share. And I have work to build real connections with people.”–perfect words to encourage and inspire others toward community.
    Thank you, Claresa, for blessing me today with your words.

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