[Faith-Talk] serving and connection

Sun Aug 11 00:27:44 UTC 2024

i just feel i am the one that gets picked on and i have a hard time knowing
what to do moving is not the answer as my family helps me with grocery
shopping and other stuff like banking but i have a hard time being
understand or understood no matter how i talk to somebody

On Sat, Aug 10, 2024 at 7:27 PM Judy Jones via Faith-Talk <
faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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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