BIG Personal Prayer Request

[SManBeyond]

There's no easy to way to introduce this two-pronged prayer request, so I'll jump right into it. It's kind of a long one, so bear with me...

I've found a romantic interest here at the college I go to. I will not go into great detail to describe her (as most infatuated people could go on and on about how the person they like is perfect), suffice to say that my spiritually mature friends that know her think very highly of her.

However, she's not in my fellowship (I know her because she's involved with an interfellowship group I'm a part of on campus...PM me if you want to know more about it), and she's an Art Major in the Architecture School here, so she's pretty busy and I don't see her outside of that. Needless to say, I don't know her particularly well, and in particular not well enough to feel that I could ask for some "alone time" (i.e. lunch or dinner to get to chat one-on-one as friends) with her without it seeming sketchy. So I need to focus on getting to know her well in the group setting of our interfellowship group meetings (a prayer meeting on Wednesday night and a planning meeting on Sunday afternoon), and therein lies the second problem...

In real life, I am a particularly shy person. I do have a very extroverted side. It usually comes out when I'm with my family but not anywhere else. Also, I'm not particularly quick or witty in groups. It also takes me a long time to formulate questions or responses to share in our large group gatherings, so I'm quiet most of the time. In informal large groups, I find myself not really wanting to share or participate, as I'm afraid that since I'm not particularly witty on the spot, what I'll say will sound extremely simple, obvious or just stupid. I finally got a good hard look at myself and realized that that's pride and fear that I need to work on with the grace of God...so basically, unless I conquer that fear and become more comfortable participating in large groups, I'm not going to get to know her (not that that's the only reason to do so, as I now feel that it's essential to my growth as a person and as a disciple in Christ...)...

So, I have two main prayer requests out of all of that.

1. Please pray that God would help me to trust that if she's that God has ordained for me, then He will work these things out for me and will help me to get to know her in His time, and that if it's not, He will provide me the best. I have a subconscious fear that God will let me marry someone that's not spiritually mature, pretty, etc...which is a stupid fear, but it eminates because I've seen a lot of spiritually mature Christians who ended up with spouses that were probably not the best...

2. Please pray that I become a more extroverted and friendlier person in large group settings.

I would greatly appreciate prayers, advice, PMs, etc. during this time. I may or may not keep this updated. Thanks for reading this.

[agasfas]

Hey no problem man, to be honest I'm a lot like you are. I tend to be a shy person in situations I fear the outcome (i.e.: girls, speeches etc), and from experience asking whether she wants to hang out is the hardest part. But hey, you never know, it may be love at first sight. Anything is possible . But whether she is the "one" or not, I know God will provide you with the right person eventually.

I'll put in a prayer for you. Hopely God will provide you w/ everything you need to become more social and less extroverted. Good luck man, I hope it works out

[Rogie]

Shy dude #3 checking in right here. I understand your dilemma, and I'll pray.

[Spiritsword]

I'm introverted, not extroverted at all, and really I'm okay with that. That's the kind of person God made me to be. If He wants me to be more outgoing in a certain situation to further His will and purpose, then I trust that He will do that. And if God wants to do something through an introvert, He will as well.

I will pray.

[Destroyer2000]

I'll pray. I am extremely relieved taht you acknowledge you are infatuated...most people do not.

[Mangafanatic]

Am I the first young lady to answer? Oh dear *crushes under the pressure*. . .

Yes, I will be very happy to pray for your, and I certainly hope this young lady notices you.

Just makes sure you don't totally reinvent yourself for her. I do understand that it might be good for you, and it might be God's will, for you to reach out into groups. Just make sure it's all for the right reasons. (Please don't think I'm doubting your intentions, I'm really not!)

[Mave]

I am introverted and extroverted depending on the situation and the crowd that I'm in. I'm flexible I don't see anything wrong with being introverted, as long as you're doing what God calls you to do and you do your best to love Him. I only hope you'll be extroverted if God intends that. Just don't fall into the trap thinking that extroverted = sign of spiritual growth. Sometimes, I think ppl play the "introverted/shy/quiet" personality down too much.

Anyway, sounds like you have good sense and are responsible with your actions. I'll pray for you, brother.

[Razgriz]

I will pray.

[Zane]

I'll pray for you SMan.

[Arbre]

I'll be praying too, SMan.

[ssj2gohan61]

hey man ill pray for you

[Kat Walker]

All that you really need...is patience. You have only yourself to blame for a rash, badly-made decision. Prayer will help, but you have to take practical steps forward (or backwards, as the case may be).

[Mr. SmartyPants]

will do!

[termyt]

Have courage and faith, my friend. And don't wait for God to suddenly change you. Chances are, He won't. He has given you the tools to be the man He wants you to be. I recommend, based on my own experiences that have lead me to still be single, that you do what I didn't. Talk to her.

Stammer and studder and make a complete fool of yourself. If she's "the one" (and I don't buy that there is one and only one person out there for you), then she'll probably think it's cute, or at least you'll get another shot at it eventually.

And if she blows you off, well then, you've had good practice for the next lass that catches your heart. Eventually, you'll get good at it and you won't be quite as nervous.

That is my prayer for you, whether that's the one you wanted or not.

[bakura_fan]

I'll pray for you as well.

[Muopii]

I'll pray for you, Sman,
I share a lot of the things that you are going through.Even though you must rely on God in all that you do, He can't work through you unless you put in some of your own strength. Just keep trusting in him, and stay strong and I'm sure it'll al work out for the ultimate good.

[Godly Paladin]

I'd like to give you a word of encouragement, but I'm not good at that sort of thing. Suffice it to say that, from what I've seen of you, whoever ends up being 'the one' will be very lucky.

I'll pray for ya!

[Locke]

no prob man

( does she have any internet messenger service? if she does you can just be yourslef onlin =] it works, trust me )

[nightblade]

You're in my prayers

If you want to be more extroverted, sometimes you just need something to let go in some form or fashion. For myself, this came in playing Paintball or Airsoft or going to a really rocking concert and totally moshing with the rest of the crowd.

If you can't do that, something one of my best friends and I did was turning his speakers up all the way and listen to "Undignified" at full volume and bass and we moshed to it in his room (with music so loud we didn't hear his mom screaming at us at the top of her lungs until she was within 5-10 feet of us).

I'm a very physical person, so for me getting that excitement that loosens me up could be slamming the bag for a while, swordfighting with my friends (basically no protective gear + wooden swords), sparring, paintball, airsoft, moshing to some music, etc. That's just me, and hopefully that can be a building block for you.

God Bless you dude and good luck!