Friday, October 5, 2012

31 Days of Story {Day 5} A Five Minute Friday edition :: Welcome Home

I walk into the crowded room filled with women, strangers chatting in groups of twos and threes.

I slowly creep in trying to look like I belong but feeling oh-so-out-of-place.
In the room.
In my own skin.

It has been a hard year for this resilient extrovert, and I am not feeling very brave tonight as I wade through the crowd trying hard to pretend I am really okay.

And suddenly, a voice pulls me out of my melancholy.

"Hi, Welcome to the (in)courage lounge."

I turn and the first thing I see is a smile that could rival the brilliant blue skies of the American prairie, breathing life and acceptance into my soul with a look that says, "I accept you just because you are here."



She shows me the cupcake tower and we chat for a few minutes.
I try not to cry because she could never know how her little gesture changed my world.

Suddenly I was being welcomed home.

*****

At the #FMFparty tonight, she said, "Extroverts get nervous too," and my heart knows this well. And I remembered how I felt walking into the (in)courage lounge at the Relevant {now Allume} blogging conference last year as a freshman blogger.

Thank you, Kristen Strong!
You changed the face of that weekend for me in just ONE moment!!

Join me for 5 Minute Friday where we write without worrying if it is JUST right or not...

Five Minute Friday




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21 comments:

Alia_Joy said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, I love that! It's amazing what one moment of pure acceptance can do for someone. I'm introverted but my strong empathetic side hates to see people left out. I usually seem way more extroverted to new people because I always try to go out of my way to welcome people because I know how lame it is to be on the outside of the cupcake tower! So glad Kristen was that for you and now you can be that for the other newbies.

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Yes! I guess I missed out on being an "official" volunteer but Kristen wasn't either...she just did it! So I will just do the same! And I like that about you that you go out of your way to make people comfortable!

Tanya Marlow said... Best Blogger Tips

I'm also an extrovert who is frequently daunted by those kinds of occasions... I love the way you describe how that one comment changed everything. I know those situations well - and that feeling of immense gratitude and being loved. Looking forward to getting to know you better through the Incourage group :-)

Mary Bonner said... Best Blogger Tips

Too bad we didn't meet up in that lounge last year! I was all alone too. I love this...truly beautiful.


Mary
http://memyselfandmercy.blogspot.com/

RaZella said... Best Blogger Tips

Hello, I'm dropping in from FMF. I really enjoyed reading this. I feel like it really speaks volumes that to "welcome" someone doesn't have to be this huge big thing, it can be something very simple, very real, very true, and that can make a difference in the world. :)

Diana Denis said... Best Blogger Tips

I love everything about this Lindsey. And you're so poetic. So blessed by you!

Ro elliott said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this...one genuine welcoming smile can speak sweet words right into a soul...oh how I long to be so welcoming. blessings to you~

Tammy_Skipper said... Best Blogger Tips

Women, God's creation that know cupcakes are a tool to connect. Blessings!

Nikki said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh friend...how many times have you pulled this INFJ into feeling welcome. You give, give, give, and I'm so thankful someone made you realize what it feels like.


Praise the Lord for cupcakes...for towers of grace.

Leigh Kay said... Best Blogger Tips

You are exquisite. :) I love this scene - this welcoming us to walk with you. I can relate to you dear - it is so funny-true how us social butterfly extroverts can meet such nervousness that we aren't used to experiencing, but that stops us in our tracks nonetheless.


I just adore your sweet persona Lindsey. Every week, I know I'm remembered and that feels greater than I can say.


And by the way, last night, I put you in my post. You're a cameo of thankfulness. :)

Mindy @ New Equus said... Best Blogger Tips

You know I think the difference between introverts and extroverts is that as extroverts we just hide behind our smile, but we can still hide and be nervous just the same!

Crystal said... Best Blogger Tips

You were my
"Kristen" at the first #FMFParty I attended - you are brilliant at
making everyone feel welcomed and special - in a sea of flying Twitter comments
you have an incredible ability to focus on the ones you know need a little
extra attention. Thank you for making me feel included :)

Laurie Byrne said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, Lindsey, I know that feeling so well...the putting on the brave, I-belong face on. You describe it so well.

Kristen O'Neill Strong said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my dear...what a love you are.


You are the one who shines Light and Love right back to this mess of a girl, and I am all the better for having met you. Can't wait to hug your neck in just a few weeks ~ it will be an Allume highlight for me!


So much love to you Lindsey...you are the *best* kind of gift!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

Amen, Lindsey! Kristen did this exact thing for me at the (in)Courage twitter party Tuesday night. And you... you connect and draw in everyone! In 3 short weeks these words will have a voice that I will hear every time I read here.

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh yes...it IS REALLY like that isn't it? Even though we love people...maybe BECAUSE we love people so much! Looking forward to getting to know you more too!!

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, Mary! That would have been lovely! Are you attending Allume this year?

lindseyfoj said... Best Blogger Tips

It's so true, isn't it? I think we are unaware of the power of love that courses through our veins...that gives life to those around us because of how we ourselves have been loved by Love itself. I want to show that more...better.

Wendy said... Best Blogger Tips

You. are. such. a. blessing. I so love your heart that shines here in your words and so much during our Thursday nights together. I heart you big friend. :)

Mary Bonner said... Best Blogger Tips

Yes, I'll be there.

Annie | annieathome.com said... Best Blogger Tips

Agreed. This is Lindsey, totally.

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