Father, you never fail.

How foolish was I to assume that I knew what I needed without consulting with You?

Amidst powerful waves that once consumed me, in the recent past, I found myself stronger and able to stay afloat for once.

For the longest time, it felt great knowing that I have been able to develop the strength to fight the current and keep my head above sea level. 

But though I was able to keep myself up, I never realized I was swimming without direction. 

I was growing tired swimming in circles, but I was so focused on moving forward, on moving away that the tiredness didn't even come to mind. I just wanted to get away.  

This weekend, You stilled the waters. 

The silence was new and utterly frustrating. After moving with speed and strength for so long, it was unsettling that the waters were so... Settled. 

Why did it stop Lord? Why aren't I moving forward anymore? Why aren't I moving at all anymore? Why aren't I feeling anything anymore? 

I have felt so strongly about everything that has come and gone in my life, that I became afraid when I felt absolutely nothing. 

I became afraid of not moving forward, because I knew my horrifying tendencies of looking back at the past whenever I wasn't. 

I became afraid of stillness because I was so unfamiliar with it. 

It was either forward or back, forward or back. Up or down, up or down. That's what I was used to.

My life has been so full of extremes, that finally reaching a static point scared me.

So I tried to make myself feel, but still there was nothing. Nothing but stillness.

SPEAK LORD, SPEAK!!!!! I cried out. 

But I heard nothing, from You or from anyone. No matter how loudly and frequently I did. Even when it came to countless topics that I once felt so strongly and had so much to say about.

I think I just needed to stop swimming and trust that I would still float whether or not I paddled and used up all of my energy doing so. 

I needed to stop swimming so I could focus and redirect myself to Him. So that I could actually swim towards something and not just swim aimlessly to run from the past. 

Thanks for Your endless love and patience with me, and the overflow of blessings You chuck at my face when I don't expect or deserve it. 

Your ways, your abundance in selflessness and love, will always go over my head.

I will forever be amazed by You. I will forever be madly in love with You. I will forever strive to give and love in the ways You have shown me.  

Traits of Charismatic People

Haven't read the entire thing yet but marking for future reference. 

You feel charisma the moment it enters the room. It's not just that someone is likable. Charismatic people draw attention. They automatically energize you and motivate you to step up, to take action. What is it about them? All in all, they are certainly likable, but it's more than that. Are they born charismatic, or do they learn how to be that way? It's probably a little of both. But either way, charismatic people inspire us and get us talking.

It's likely that you have some charismatic traits that can be developed to help you attract and inspire those around you. If you aspire to be charismatic, here is a list of behaviors to expand on.

1. Charismatic people exude joy. The first thing you notice about charismatic people is the spark of life. Whether they are saviors or troublemakers, they have a strong passion that triggers powerful emotions in those around them. Even in anger, they make people feel happy to join a cause. They show obvious pleasure in experiences, and they invite others to share in the experience they are having. Enhance your charisma by sharing your passions with those around you and helping their passions flourish.

2. Charismatic people inspire confidence. It seems that charismatic people have the world in their control. Their personal self-worth and confidence appear strong, even when they're not. They have faith in their abilities, their knowledge, and their worth. They also know the line between confidence and narcissism. They don't disparage or dismiss the people around them. Enhance your charisma by dampening your insecurities in favor of celebrating your strengths. Share your confidence with others so they feel stronger in your presence.

3.  Charismatic people share conviction. The times that charismatic people stand out the most is when they are driving a movement. Charismatic people believe in something powerfully and share that belief with others. Their conviction and consistent actions influence others to follow. Dedicated followers add exponentially to the energy that oozes from a charismatic leader. Apathy will kill charisma and momentum. Enhance your charisma by being diligent and committed. Inspire others by helping them engage in a common cause.

4. Charismatic people are great storytellers. People don't follow someone simply because they are told to do so. Moving someone to action requires context and motivation. Stories are the most effective way to get to the emotional core to break inertia. Charismatic people have a talent for spinning a yarn that connects deeply and relates directly to the action that needs to occur. Their voice, inflection, and manner are easy to listen to and pleasant. They have the ability to express drama and intrigue so people want to hear more.Enhance your charisma by learning to craft and tell meaningful, emotional stories. Practice the arts of humor, metaphor, and symbolism so you can entertain while you inform.

5. Charismatic people connect empathetically. It has been said that when Bill Clinton speaks to you, he makes you feel that you are the only person on the planet. This is a talent of charismatic people. They genuinely and instinctively focus their eyes, ears, and soul on your being, not theirs. They make you laugh, they make you feel heard, they make you feel special or fascinated or safe or interesting. It isn't the same feeling in every case. But people connect and stay, because they are having strong, positive emotions in the presence of someone truly charismatic. Enhance your charisma by focusing all of your energy and attention on the person in front of you. Shut down your inner voice and connect so you can see, hear, and feel the energy and information he or she is sharing.