Why I Don't Talk to Strangers

The word “bold” has been on my mind a lot lately.  I’ve been thinking about it because I am often considering what it looks like to live this life fully, to live a life that is what God intended for us.  And I think being bold is a huge part of that.

You know when I think about being bold? Usually I’m in one of two places.  In an airport or at church.  In both places there are people who are experiencing intense emotions or going through something big.  At airports, they may be leaving for college for the first time, coming home from a long separation from their family, going to a wedding or a funeral.  At church, someone could be considering a relationship with God for the first time, or the first time in a long time of absence.  They could be trying to fill a void that seems impossible to fill.

In any of these cases, one could use a friend.  Or even a hug or kind word from a stranger.  But for me to be that friend, or that kind stranger, would take great courage.  It would require being bold.  And to be perfectly honest, I am hardly ever that bold. 

I can remember a time flying back to school after a summer at home, and seeing a girl in the airport about my age.  She was on the phone, sobbing.  I have no idea why; I never found out what was causing her tears because I wasn’t brave enough to ask.  I know there may be a difference between being kind and being nosey, but I really feel like I missed a divine appointment that God had for me because I was too concerned about my own fears and insecurities rather than the need that was right in front of me. 

Today, during the greeting part of the church service, the woman in front of me shook my hand and said, “You look so beautiful!” It was so simple, yet meant the world to me.  And in reality, how many of us would be brave enough to give such a powerful compliment to a total stranger!  She was bold. And it made my day.

Don’t let your fear or insecurity keep you from being the person God created you to be.  If He puts you in a situation where you sense a need, do something about it.  If you feel a pull to say something that could change someone’s day, say it.  Take a chance, be BOLD.