3 Tips to Talk About Faith
I despise going to the emergency room at the hospital. It’s always busy & you never know what sickness that people could have. I was there again, this time my face suddenly drooped & my eye was nearly shut. I was at the urgent care that morning, but with my history with stroke & seizures, they advised me to go to the ER. So, I checked-in at the hospital & sat down. I saw people from different lives were there, some with family or friends, or alone with their cell phones out. There was a homeless man with dirty barefeet slumped down talking to himself. Others were sleeping or getting out of the nurses stations. Other patients were in hospital beds, just waiting to get seen. 2 police officers with a German shepherd were marched down the hallways, doctors & ambulance medics were followed after. All of the patients were sick, physically or mentally (or both), but we all wanted to see 1 thing: we wanted to see the doctor. The doctor should cure our sickness, mental suffering & pain, right?? I wish that was the case. But I know now who can cure anything, he's called Savior. He can save anybody who believes. I needed to share this news, the Good News, but how?? What about the people who don’t want to hear my story? Maybe they would laugh or mock me. I know that I have aphasia…how can I do this anyways?? My confidence dwindled away & I got my security tool out: my phone.
I did see the doctor eventually & she didn’t really help me. Thankfully, I saw my neurologist after. I now have Bell’s palsy & after a week passed, my face finally formed back to normal. But that ER experience still bothers me. Why didn’t I say anything about my faith, the truth? Or even small talk with strangers?
Here’s 3 tips that really helped me with talking to anybody:
Tip 1: Pray for Guidance
When we enter a setting with other people, we should always pray for opportunities & strength. It doesn’t have to be a long prayer, just a quick prayer in your car or under your breath & just watch the Holy Spirit work. If there’s a person alone, maybe you can ask them how the day is going. Maybe ask if you could pray for them. Sometimes you just need to smile at someone to make them feel better. Maybe it’s not the right time. That’s okay! We don’t have to burden this task alone, we have the Spirit to lean on.
Tip 2: Have Questions Ready to Start the Conversation
Having a conversation with someone can be difficult, especially today, but we need to put more effort into starting a discussion. Have 3 questions in your mind, like, “What do you do for work?” or “Do you have kids? How many?” “Do you have plans for summer break?” These questions are generic but they start the talk with anybody. People love talking about their lives, so hear them & listen. Maybe you disagree sometimes but that’s all right. With love & respect, differ them, but don’t be harsh or angry. You never know if that person has questions that need answers in the future.
Tip 3: Share Your Testimony
Everybody has a past, big or small, we all have a part of this bigger story. Even if your past is dark, you have a part of this, incredibly, you came back to the Lord. That’s the beauty of your testimony! How powerful that you can make other people want that freedom & salvation that’s waiting. Don’t you want more people to feel redeemed from this broken world? Maybe you need to write your testimony out or read it out loud if you need to. How many people could you impact with your testimony? Every time you share too, your confidence will shine brighter & brighter.
It’s scary talking about your faith, particularly close friends or family who don’t believe. I still struggle with it. Maybe that’s human nature, but it’s easier in time. Do you have any problems with talking to strangers? Do you need to work on 1 tip of this list this month? Just remember, with Christ on your side, no obstacle can stop you achieving your purpose.
