What Introverts Must Avoid
-An exclusive excerpt from Allen’s new book-
Isolation is one of the main areas we can get stuck. So I want to offer a few more thoughts before moving on to the next category.
It’s especially easy for introverts to isolate. I speak as a card-carrying member. A good friend told me years ago, “Allen, you do really well at the ‘with God’ aspect of your calling. It’s the ‘with others’ part you miss. You think what God invited you to do is all up to you and forget there are kindred spirits out there who would love to be part of your journey. But you have to want it too. And sometimes you have to ask.” Ouch. And true.
For many, past attempts at friendship or community have been riddled with rejection or betrayal. But the answer isn’t to isolate or build higher walls but to ask God to heal us and draw us to those who are safe and trustworthy. Otherwise, we may come to think the only time we need others is to help us reach our goals or buy what we made so we can then get back to our studios and start creating with God.
Others are meant to be part of our creative journey, and we are meant to be part of theirs—and not just those who are just like us. While that can be comforting, it doesn’t stretch us, grow us, or challenge us in any meaningful way.
There is incredible ideation and energy that occurs when songwriters mingle with chefs. Architects gather with poets. And teachers share a meal with storytellers. A community is formed that doesn’t compete but feeds off one another and helps dreams fly higher. I’m talking about a small fellowship of friends who, depending on the moment, have permission to lift us up or pull us back down to earth. To rejoice or weep with us. Sometimes with helpful words, sometimes in holy silence.
Ask God to bring the right people into your life for these conversations and support. And commit to being there for those kindred spirits who feel unseen or isolated.
Because we weren’t made to do this on our own.
(From The Creativity Glitch: How to Stop Being Stuck, Find Your Groove, & Create with God.Copyright © 2026 Allen Arnold.)
This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).
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