“My former boss’ words made me feel ashamed of my personality trait. It seemed as if being quiet or introverted, and displaying attributes that made others think I was “too quiet,” was shameful. This notion that quietness is embarrassing or undesirable lingered with me long after I left the magazine—and moving to a different country a few years ago compounded my struggle with being labelled as such.”

“I felt a chasm widening between me and God. Despite decades of believing, years of serving and leading, and dozens of mission trips, I started to wonder if faith was any good at all. The God I thought I knew seemed indifferent and remote. And I often gave Him the silent treatment right back.

As my physical heart struggled to keep beating, so did my spiritual one.”

“The interesting thing about the walk of faith is that it is literally a journey of step-by-step, decision-by-decision as we traverse the adventure of our lives every day. It isn’t something we receive validation in immediately, but I believe that what is being produced in us as we choose to follow, even when the way seems uncertain, are the stepping stones to fulfilling His plans and purposes in our lives.”