Christoverts, Unite

…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1b, NIV*

I’m writing this on Monday, after a three day writers’ conference and a Sunday packed with church, Fathers’ Day celebrations for my husband and for our fathers—and an extended family barbecue on my husband’s side that included relatives from out of town. Some of these folks I’ve met before, some are new to me.

My husband’s uncle died last week, and we’ve gathered to support the immediate family and to work through our individual and corporate loss. Today we’ll be together for visitation and another meal. Tomorrow will be the funeral. And then the hard part will come: learning to live without a man who loved well.

I am not a people person. Groups drain my energy. But it’s not about me. I need to be a support and a comfort, especially these next few days.

As I prayed this morning and committed this crowded day to God, I reminded myself that He is my strength. When I opened my Bible, what did I see but this verse from Paul’s letter to Timothy? I’d highlighted it in the past, and it jumped right out at me in living orange.

He is so good to each one of us.

I’ve been thinking that as Christians we don’t have to be limited and labelled as introvert or extrovert.

I will find my identity from now on as a Christovert. Since I’m inventing the term, I’ll set the pronunciation: the ‘i’ is short, like in ‘Christian’, not long as in ‘Christ’.

Father, thank You for being so near to us, so ready to encourage each of us in ways perhaps only we will recognize as from You. Thank You that we don’t have to rely on ourselves. Help us draw our strength from You. Help us to be Christoverts.

Our song this week is “The Solid Rock (My Hope is Built on Nothing Less)”, presented here by Amazing Worship:

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

8 thoughts on “Christoverts, Unite

  1. Lori

    Thanks for visiting my (work-in-progress) site. And it was so nice to meet you at the conference! I wish that I had had a chance to talk more with you. I will definitely read your blog, happy to know that I have a face to put with the name and a smile to go with the ideas!

    Thanks also for being a friendly face there too. It was my first year and I was a little overwhelmed at times. I am so glad I went!

    Reply
    1. janetsketchley

      Lori, I’m glad you went too! And glad they did that small-group conversation session in the larger group, because that’s how we actually met and got to talk. I hope you took lots of good things home with you.

      Reply
  2. Peter Black

    Christovert — I like it!
    I really enjoyed this post, Janet.
    S’interesting, though — I’d never viewed you as not being a people person. To me you are.
    Of course, we may often view ourselves differently than others view us. You’re evidently comfortable in your own skin.
    Thank you for your warm welcome at the Gala — and the hug!
    Blessings.

    Reply
    1. janetsketchley

      Peter, you see me at my best at Write! Canada and the awards Gala–I feel safe and at home with my writing family/friends. So glad to see you and May at the Gala!

      Reply
  3. Belinda Burston

    And I am so glad that you honoured me by letting me sit with you at one of the mealtimes at Write! Canada. I’m glad that you told Peter that you feel more relaxed with that group.

    It was so good to see you again and to connect, even briefly.

    My condolences on your family’s loss. May you all be carried through this time of grief and mourning, on eagles wings.

    Reply
    1. janetsketchley

      Belinda, I was glad we could sit together–I was the honoured one! I love being able to see so many wonderful people at Write! Canada, but there’s so much going on that it’s hard to find quality time with everyone. At least we had a few minutes. And I really think it’s an affirming, uplifting place to be, where we can feel secure even if we’re also being stretched.

      Thank you for your comfort. I think having the family together has been a big help.

      Reply

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