My ten year old came to me the other night, completely out of the blue and said,

“Mummy, if I win a million dollars, I’m going to buy my girlfriend the best European high heels.”

I had to laugh. He knows how much I like shoes, he must figure that the way to a woman’s heart is via her feet! Note to future daughter-in-law: you can thank me later

But what is it about shoes that women love so much? Why do they make us feel great? I feel like I can take on the world when I’m wearing the perfect pair of heels!

For me it started at a very young age. I was eight and I was scared of one of my uncles (I have no idea why, completely irrational thing)….the only way I could feel confident enough to leave my bedroom and say hello to this uncle, was to buckle on my shiney red platform shoes (sorry it was the 70s). I could do anything with those shoes on my feet. I almost wish I had kept them and had them bronzed.

Even now I have a beautiful pair of red heels that make me feel great…in fact any pair of heels makes me feel great, and confident, and womanly. If I am wearing flats I really feel frumpy and mousy.

I am convinced that great shoes have magic powers.

I’m sure it’s not going to be too long before I am too old to wear great heels. I am not looking forward to that day…at…all! I will do all I can to resist the need to wear granny shoes!

Do you love shoes too? Share the love!

Many of you will have seen my posts about introverts in the church and how we can function as contributing members of our Christian communities. As a result of those posts I met a guy called Adam who has written a book that will be coming out at the end of this month about this very topic! I was so excited to learn that there are others out there that are going through the same journey of discovery and learning to find their way in an environment that is so often dominated by extroverts.

Adam S. McHugh is an ordained Presbyterian minister, a spiritual director and an introvert. He has served at two Presbyterian churches, as a hospice chaplain and as campus staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He grew up in Seattle, Washington and graduated from Claremont McKenna College and Princeton Theological Seminary.

About the Book

Introverts are called and gifted by God. But many churches tend to be extroverted places where introverts are marginalized. Some Christians end up feeling like it’s not as faithful to be an introvert.

Adam McHugh shows how introverts can live and minister in ways consistent with their personalities. He explains how introverts and extroverts process information and approach relationships differently and how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit who they are. With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh offers ways for introverts to serve, lead, worship and even evangelize effectively.

Introverts in the Church is essential reading for any introvert who has ever felt out of place, as well as for church leaders who want to make their churches more welcoming to introverts. Discover God’s call and empowering to thrive as an introvert, for the sake of the church and kingdom.

Reviews and Endorsements

“For the longest time, I’ve considered my wiring as an introvert a thorn in my side. After spending time engaging with others, I felt so empty and overwhelmed . . . and lonely. With my calling as an author and pastor requiring me to publicly speak and consult, I wondered if I misunderstood my place in this world. In Introverts in the Church, Adam brings a voice to those of us who often trade ours in for a little bit of respite. This is not only a needed resource for introverts; all leaders need to read Introverts in the Church for a better understanding of how introverts can lead, how they follow and how they refresh.”
—Anne Jackson, pastor, blogger and author of Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic

“What a timely and badly needed book! Introverts in the Church will encourage thousands of Christians who have felt as if they don’t quite fit. It will help them find their rightful place in Christian community, so that their gifts might be well used in the work of the kingdom. This book will also help churches to be a place where all people can flourish as disciples of Jesus. Adam McHugh has given us a precious gift through his openness, theological soundness and godly wisdom.”
—Dr. Mark D. Roberts, senior director and scholar-in-residence, Laity Lodge

“This is a book that all leaders in the church should read! It made me realize that I owe an apology to all the introverts whose insights and contributions I have not understood or have overlooked. McHugh’s perceptions are crucial for churches in our extremely extroverted society–we are missing some of God’s best treasures for Christ’s body. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wishes more thoroughly to understand the Holy Spirit’s creation of a diversity of personalities and gifts.”
—Marva J. Dawn, teaching fellow in spiritual theology, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia, and author of My Soul Waits, Keeping the Sabbath Wholly and In the Beginning, GOD

“At last a book for and about introverts in ministry, and a wonderful book it is! McHugh unpacks the challenges and characteristics of the introvert leader in a ministry world designed for extroverts. He offers practical guidance for developing as a leader, evangelizing, joining a community, preaching and becoming spiritually mature in Christ. The book not only helps introverts, but it can serve as a great resource for extroverts who lead, coach, mentor or relate to introverts.”
—MaryKate Morse, author of Making Room for Leadership, and an introvert

“Introverts, take heart! As an introvert myself–an off-the-chart ‘I’ on the Myers-Briggs–I find certain aspects of church life, like speaking to other human beings every Sunday, really taxing. McHugh thoughtfully explores the gifts introverts bring to the church, and he considers both how introverts can live well in the church and how churches can be more hospitable to us.”
—Lauren F. Winner, Duke Divinity School, author of Girl Meets God

“As a fellow introvert, I well know the tension, irony and even contradiction of being in vocational ministry where public speaking and being with people are major and vital parts of our roles. This book puts together extremely helpful thinking to better understand who we are and how to navigate and celebrate being introverted and in leadership in an extroverted world.”
—Dan Kimball, author of They Like Jesus but Not the Church

“As an introvert who has experienced both the strengths and weaknesses of my temperament, I appreciate the way McHugh goes well beyond the facile stereotypes and conclusions of armchair psychologists. If you’ve ever felt vaguely sinful for not being a gregarious Christian I suggest you spend some quality time alone with a copy of Introverts in the Church.”
—Don Everts, minister of outreach, Bonhomme Presbyterian Church, Chesterfield, Missouri, and author of I Once Was Lost

“Adam is addressing a huge number of folks in the church. Read it and heal.”
—John Ortberg, author, senior pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

The book is out late Augsut 2009…order your copy now!

I should have known.

Last week I mentioned that I was working on stripping food of its lead comforter role and focusing on relying on God to help me my emotional needs.

This week has been one of the most emotionally intense weeks of my life.

Some days I slipped and failed and ate. Most days I was OK. I’m working hard to remain intentional and focused on the purpose and goals and principles that I live my life by. I am making headway.

This week I learned that exercise is great for lulling me into a meditative, calm state when I am in turmoil. The rhythm and repetition is soothing and allows space for me to redirect my thoughts.

I lost a little, and exercised most days. Onward and upward.

How did you go this week?

Before my feet hit the floor each morning I pray. It takes all of ten seconds, but it’s the best way I can think of to start the day.

God,

whatever you’re up to today…

count me in!

In the words of Los…it’s better that way.

How do you start your day?