I’m having a lot of problems evangelizing and speaking the Truth, I’ve been having these problems for awhile now. I know I said in a previous post that maybe the best thing to do right now in regards to evangelization would be to let people come to you, but the problem is very few people in this area -and perhaps in Canada as a whole- ever approach me and speak to me about the Faith or the rosary that I’m praying. I haven’t been able to talk to Damian recently since I’ve been busy moving, and so the only people I can focus on now are my family. This leads me to another thing I struggle with, speaking the Truth. I have poor social skills and struggle a lot with social anxiety. I often think too much about what other people think of me. So for a long time I have been silent and that has led to me bottling up anger. This in turn leads to me being worried about about losing my temper while talking about things and scandalizing people and so, when I see a good opportunity to speak, I’m reluctant to. With my family, there have been times where I have snapped or said or presented things in a mistaken way, and so it’s difficult for me to find opportunities to speak up, or even tell if I am in an opportune moment to speak. I have a devotion to the Canadian Martyrs, and have been praying to have a zeal like theirs. And I have been telling myself I should consider honour to be yelled at and hated for believing in and following what is objectively good. But again, there’s very few opportunities for me to speak up, and I have difficulty discerning them. Can anyone please help me figure out how to deal with this situation?
Has it occurred to you that this might be God's gift to you? So that you learn to truly lean on Him and not on your abilities. There's also the possibility that God may want you to work for Him in a vineyard different to what you desire.
Everyone's path is different. I was extremely shy when I was younger and really struggled to speak the unpopular truth. Nowadays it's not a problem but I find secular minded people are very set in their way of thinking. They are well aware of my outlook so I leave it there and I pray for their conversion. The Lord is close and many ears will be opened soon so pray more for those around you and bring them before The Lord begging the grace of conversion for them.
I can relate somewhat. Never been shy, but I'm more sensitive than I care to admit and it took years to develop a thick skin. It also took me years to fully understand and implement: 1. I can't care what others think. 2. Others are responsible for their reactions (not me). 3. State the truth simply. 4. If a negative reaction ensues, pray for discernment of when to "let off." 5. Be willing to let the other person have the last word, even if it seems "they've won." 6. Find constructive ways of venting your anger. A physically strenuous sport will ease both mental and physical tension (or write / draw stuff in a private journal if you're not athletically inclined). If you agree with these points, try and put them into practice now. Youth, again, is such a strong driving force; but trying to tackle & tame stuff early on will pay in the long-run. I know. And if you fail, lose your cool, etc....forgive yourself and try again. It took A LOT of effort on my part. Eventually you will "get the hang of it."
Thanks everyone, I am working hard on trusting in God more, and Our Lady's intercession. I do have hope that this Christmas, I can have some positive influence on my family. I need to have greater Faith and Hope that the Lord can convert me and help me bring the Truth to others.
