February 26 When The Words Dont't Come

Awkward moments happen. When they occur, we can be tempted to speak when we do not really know what it is that we want to say. Why is being speechless such an awkward feeling? Entrepreneurs and leaders are not immune to this phenomenon.

What is it that you would say if a customer came to you with an awkward moment? What is your current answer that you might give to an associate or an employee who presents an awkward moment? Your current response may not be the response you want to give.

We might give a great answer, or the answer might be harmful. If we do not have a response, we are leaving our reactions to the exposure of emotions and a lack of confidence. We all want confidence in our world. Maybe we can think about the awkward places from our past.

Those spaces in our minds and hearts could be the answer for the awkwardness of the future. Can we develop a repeatable phrase that can provide us some time to think in those moments? I am curious where you might start? Curiosity is an amazingly powerful attitude.

How might your phrase use it? What is a thought phase you might use before it is needed? Saying the right thing at the right time may start with us thinking about it right now. In the book of Mark, we read about the disciple Peter who got caught in an awkward moment.

“Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials-one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Mark 9:5-6 NLT. We are told that his response was given because he really did not know what else to say.

As an entrepreneur or leader, we might serve better by knowing how to lead in these awkward moments. In our walks of faith, we might follow Jesus by thinking of our responses to awkward moments as well. “Why do you believe the stories of the Bible?” “Why do you go to church?”

“Do you really believe that Jesus Christ arose from the dead?” If we do think forward, we have a better chance to bring value, show compassion and share the love of Christ. We all want confidence in our world and confidence in Christ.

Our thoughtful reflection does not devalue our response in the future. I am not suggesting that we have a canned response either. I am suggesting that our hearts and minds will be better prepared to hold a space for the Holy Spirit by thoughtfully reflecting on moments that are yet to be.

Has someone else had a response ready to your question of faith and it had an impact on you? I would bet that if someone has not had a response that it impacted you. What awkward question are you ready to reflect on in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, your response has always been of love, but we get caught in awkward moments. Help us prepare for the multiple awkward moments that will come upon us.

May our responses that we share with family, associates, and people be those that glorify you. Draw us close and help us to share your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,