[Faith-Talk] serving and connection

[Judy Jones]

Hi, Andrew,

You say you have prayed about where to serve, but are finding closed doors, I do understand about that.

The one thing God did was to either equip someone to serve on the spot, or they had a background of skills they had developed, grown up with or worked at before God sent them out or opened their door of opportunity.  Equip being the operative word.  Ask God what you need to do, what is he showing you.

Do you need training in blindness skills?  I ask this because many who are competent on many levels also have confidence that is a result of competence.

Another area is the transportation.  The most competent of blind persons could not function anywhere unless alternative transportation was available, or they simply didn't need it within their scope of service.  You may seriously need to do the research and relocate.  

You will have to learn to set the tone for the sighted world on how you want to be treated.  You can't expect them to come up with your answers.  

For instance, you want to serve in ministry X.  Sighties are hesitant, so take the problem out of their way with your solution, and one that is the easiest on them.  You have to be the problem-solver, not them.  This is what self-advocacy is, and we all have had to learn it, you aren't the only one at all.

Once people see you having the problem-solver mindset, they will tend to be more comfortable with you.

I realize I'm speaking in generalizations, so forgive me if I am missing the mark somewhere.

The other thing is to learn to be social, if you are not already.  Interacting with a group will require that on a certain level.  I know you have tried numerous times to fit in and be accepted.  If it isn't working, what can you do to fix it?  Again, it isn't their task, it is yours to be the problem-solver.  This isn't by any means a criticism, just an explanation of what needs to happen.

So:  We've covered learning skills, better transportation, and adopting a new mindset.

Make a list of your desires, then do the work of planning what you will need to do for yourself to get there.

Lastly, stay encouraged, as you are a child of God, he has plans for you, he will show you where, when and how to serve, but you may need to equip yourself, as stated above.

I hope this helps, and feel free to contact Chris and I with the info sent earlier.

Judy

“Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.”

-----Original Message-----
From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of andrew edgcumbe via Faith-Talk
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 4:06 PM
To: Faith-talk, for the discussion of Blindness in faith and religion <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: andrew edgcumbe <rollercoasterman86 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection

Hi well I know I have had allot of suggestions.
there has been times i thought about moving but that is a decision I have
to make on my own. I have mentioned serving to church leadership before
quite often and i often feel I don't have the skill set to advokate at all.
because I while i advocated and kept after my town about certain things
other things i just let go donw  down by the side.

Nobody can make judgments on me because you know nothing about where I live
you know nothing about my life story and you know nothing about

On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 11:16 AM Linda Mentink via Faith-Talk <
faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi Andrew,
>
> Please allow me to make some observations and suggestions here.
>
> One thing is that you are going a lot by your feelings. Feelings change
> and are not reliable because they center on you. You are centering on you.
> It's all about you. That's not good, and I'm guessing that people sense
> that in you.
>
> Others here have suggested that you reach out to blindness organizations
> in Canada, and Joy has given you information. We've suggested that to you
> here before, and you always have some excuse or other. As long as you make
> excuses, you won't get anywhere.
>
> You must take it to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you be more
> confident in yourself and in the gifts He's given you. If you don't know
> what those gifts are, then take an online test to find that out.
>
> Meet with the church leadership for the purpose of informing them about
> your skills and your desire to minister to others, whether that be in the
> actual church service or somewhere else in the church's ministry.
>
> Maybe you just need to move to a town or city where transportation is
> available and where there are other blind people.
>
> You come across here as a very needy individual, and your disabilities
> make that seem worse. Therefore, people do not know how to help you, and
> maybe they don't have a lot of time to devote to someone as needy as you.
> When they are too helpful, just nicely explain what you need or don't need.
> As blind people, we are always educating by what we say and how we act
> around others. If you can learn to be more articulate rather than saying
> "and stuff like that", that will go a long way in your figuring out a plan.
> As I said, pray and seek the Lord. Then set one small goal that is doable.
> That done, set another.
>
> I hope something we've said here will help; but nothing will if you don't
> make some changes!
>
> Blessings,
>
> Linda
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