Southern Hospitality

hospitality |ˌhäspiˈtalitē|nounthe quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.~

Something that is so beautiful to me about Chattanooga are the people. Now not to say that everyone down here is friendly and nice, (trust me I've dealt with some interesting customers so far...) but in general, people seem to be more friendly, more inviting, and more willing to open themselves up and get to know you. I never realized what a blessing these kind of people were until I moved to a completely new and strange place, only knowing my Aunt and Uncle. When you're as shy and reserved as me, you thank God for every little word a stranger says to you.

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Something that I've been really struggling with down here in Chattanooga is opening myself and making myself vulnerable in order to get to know new people. I tend to just try to stay comfortable and not reach out to people around me. It is hard for me to open myself up to someone right away. It's something that I have to work on every day. It's something that I have to literally tell myself, "Okay Carmen, you can do this... just start a conversation..." It's something that I want to take away from living here- I want to be that open person- those loving, open arms... welcoming in the new people. Because I have received it from some amazing people down here, I hope that I can do the same to strangers wherever I go.

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Tonight I went to a small group with Anna and some other girls. Turns out the leader of the group is sisters with a girl I work with and that girl invited another girl I work with- so I already knew like 4 people. It's so great going into a new place knowing that you're welcome and accepted. It makes me feel like I can (with the help of God) do the same.

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"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."- Romans 12:9-13