Anonymous asked: Hi :) I'm trying to get more involved with my church- since I found God I've turned into a different person, I'm no longer miserable and I have something to live for. My church has a youth group; but as I have severe social anxiety and am trying to get over depression, so social situations like that are difficult for me. Could you tell me a bit about youth groups and maybe how to be brave and go? I really want to, but I'm scared.

HOWDY!! HOWDY!! HOWDY!!

That’s so awesome and we’re so happy to hear what God has done with your life!! It’s Truly Amazing! And I have no doubt in my mind that God is going to liberate you from social anxiety and depression next. Believe it! 

Now on the topic of youth groups. Youth groups are totally BOMBTASTIC!  It’s like church on a sunday but with pizza, soda pop, skits, worship, the WORD! and kids/teens your own age who love Jesus.  HahaH. :D 

Now before you go, what I would do is talk with the youth Pastor! Introduce yourself to him, let him know that you’ve never been to a youth group, if you feel comfortable you can tell him you have social anxiety but nevertheless you’re interested in going. He’ll totally let you in the loop and introduce you to some kids who just might end up being your best friends. WAHOO!

When you go make sure you wear something that you’ll feel comfortable in… I say this because, personally, I feel more out going when I dress comfortable. :p 

So I don’t know maybe you might be the same. :))

Also, ask God to help you make some friends and to cast away the fear/nervousness. Smile, be nice and try to relax while you are there. And hang in there, if you don’t have an instant connection with someone it is ok, don’t give up, it’s not the end of the world. :D

HEY! There may even be someone else who is new and just as apprehensive as you are. Keep going, don’t go a couple times and decide it isn’t for you, lots of times in life, things take longer than we think they should. And always remember the most important reason you’re there: TO GET TO KNOW JESUS BETTER!!!

God Bless you cool kid! I know you’ll be alright.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6 

Anonymous asked: I really wanna be like 1 of my friends,she's the most conifident un-ashamed person i have ever met! She talks to anyone,she loves talking, i seriously envy that cuz i'm like the shyest girl in my class :( every1 knows me as shy,but i feel like if i become confident people will look at me weird or think i'm trying to be someone else, when i'm just trying to boost my confidence : i mean do people think "oh wow" when u become confident i get so paranoid for no reason!

I was never the most confident person there is. In fact, I’d get worked up and start stuttering because I was thinking faster than I could talk. In 7th grade that happened while meeting my home room teacher for the first time. The words “I don’t want to be here” slipped out due to my nervousness and the lady went off on me talking about how she had just come out of surgery and could barely walk but she was there. I was ready for her to grab her glock. Two weeks later she ended up asking a question, “You got an attitude or are you just shy?” when I told her I was just shy she apologized because she thought I was just copping an attitude for the two weeks. One of the nicest teachers I had AND she was a strong woman of faith too!  I think there I realized the fear was holding me back and I began opening up. In 8th grade I opened up so much that I actually started becoming “popular”.

But you know what: some people are just naturally a people person and are really good with people while others are more reserved. Maybe you’re like me though and realized there needed to be a change. Oh well if someone thinks you’re trying to be someone else, I think many will enjoy getting to know you better.

-Tyler