Ok, I just posted my first blog and now I have another thought I was thinking about the other day so I will write two in a matter of minutes. This is only because the kids are sleeping and I had better do it while I can!
I love the Strengths Finder test that we just completed at Mike Reeves suggestion. If you have not done so you should get the book and take the test because it is very revealing and helpful. Before I took the test I was looking over the words that denoted the strengths that were possible and I saw the word Woo. To myself, I said, What in the world is Woo?? That is silly!
Wouldn’t you know it one of my strengths is Woo! Not only that, it is my number one strength! Well, maybe it is not that silly… Once, I read the description though, the test had me pegged dead on. Basically, it is described as someone who loves the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. People with woo love breaking the ice and making a connection with another person.
I absolutely love people and I love to connect with others. I have noticed this skill( now I know it is a strength! ) early on but particularly in college. Earlier on in life I used this skill to get people to do what I wanted them to do rather than for their best interest. Now, I love to turn people on to ideas, resources or things that will help them enjoy life like I do.
Yes, on one hand I love Woo because I want people to like me. There is no bigger thrill than winning someone over. God has given me a different focus though over the years and has taught me about Woo in relation to Himself even when I didn’t know I was a wooer! : 0) I have come to the realization that not everyone will like me ,though I don’t understand why…I fancy myself to be a likeable person. God has shown me what is even more devastating is people not liking or rather loving Him. God has also given me the gift of evangelism and powered with the Holy Spirit and Woo as a strength Watch Out!
However, many of those that God has brought into my circle of influence that I have entereted into relationship with and shared my faith walk with have not come to know the Lord. It used to devastate me just like if I could not Woo someone over to my corner personally. God really showed me, though, that it is not up to me to bring the harvest, that is His job. After all, Noah was a faithful man and one God had the highest regard for but did he ever win one to to the Lord? NO! They all got destroyed despite Noah’s faithfulness. Wow! I don’t feign myself to be nearly as faithful as Noah but I do try to be obedient with what God has given me — a “wooing” personality and the gift of evangelism. I find entering into relationship with someone is the best means to earn the right to share the gospel. I find creative ways to be around lost people and I just pray for simple opportunites to share and you would be amazed at the ways God opens the door. At the end though, I only need to be faithful to open my mouth, let the Holy Spirit guide the conversation, pray for more opportunities and then let God work on their heart. That really takes the pressure off! Now I am not devastated they are rejecting me or my Lord but rather more intense on praying for God to move in their life because after all it is really His deal!
Awesome Jen! Welcome to the blogging world. I look forward to seeing how God has designed your strengths for His work in your life!
I’m so glad to see you on here Jen and I can’t wait to get to know you better! Your blog was especially encouraging to me. You say you used to take it personally when people didn’t come to Christ, for me it makes me doubt my gift. You’ve reminded me though that its not about me. Seems like if you’ve been told you have the gift of evangelism, you start expecting everyone you share with to come to know Christ. Thanks for reminding me that God is in control and as long as I am being obedient and taking those opportunities, that I am doing what God has called me to do.
I am woo too. It is great having so many people who are good conversation starters around. It never makes for a boring conversation. Well I am excited that you guys joined out here and that God is going to use it for His glory. It is good to see you joining the blogworld as well. It will be great to see little glimpses of your heart.
I have enjoyed the past couple of weeks getting to know you! I am so glad that God has brought you and Jeff to the patio. I have my address for my apt. but I will email you the address instead of posting it onto here. My email has been acting up so it might be a day or two. I will be moving into my place Sunday so I will not see you then but I will talk to you soon!
My heart and mind tell me that you are the best woman who ever lived.
You are too good to me! I love you with all my heart! Jen
Jen, I have enjoyed getting to know you and your family. Hearing your thoughts in church has really been helpful to me. I love you and I love your heart.