Cloak of Invisibility

I'm short--5'1" on a good day. Often conversations will literally go on over my head because people are generally quite a bit taller than I am (at least by 5-10" on average). I get that I'm not easily seen. Up until recently (within the last year), I haven't spoken much or voiced my thoughts/opinions out loud which has added a layer to my invisibility.

I'm reading a book called Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton and Sheila Heen from the Harvard Negotiation Project. It's an easy read and quite insightful about what makes conversation and communication so difficult for people. They break it down into three basic parts that most conversations have:
1) "What Happened" Conversation
2) Feelings Conversation
3) Identity Conversation
The chapter I happened to read today was on listening. In a difficult conversation, focus on listening to learn about the other person because you genuinely want to learn and understand. If you can operate on that plane, people will feel heard, accepted and will be more likely to listen to what you are saying. That's great, makes sense and is extremely useful.

What bugs me is the idea that to be heard you must first surrender and listen to the other person. If I'm always the one listening, who will listen to me? When will I not be under the radar and be acknowledged as having a valid point and commentary--even if people don't agree with it??? When do I get to be cared for and appreciated?

Harry Potter uses his cloak when he wants to disappear. What about when you want to be seen?

Processing, A Prayer and A Conversation

I've been pretty sad lately thinking about having to leave all these amazing people I've come to love and enjoy working with, but I'm also scared that this might be the best
that somehow now it's time to be tested for how much good I've received
that there's this expectation of hitting a home run all the time.

To that God says NO.

You live each day with me in my love and together we'll work through it and figure out how best to deliver my love to people. We're a team remember?? You and us. Four persons are better than one. Why would I reduce my love and providence for you just because life is changing? You forget that time is in MY hands; that I AM your God and not the other way around.

But I'm so scared.

And yet my perfect love casts out all fear. My prized possession, why would I care for you so tenderly and well all year only to abandon you? My love--that's who/what you are to me--I could no more divide myself in half or cut off a part of me than leave you behind or cast you aside or sever you from me. My love is who I AM and who you are.
So you see, you and I are one--always and into enternity. For my love is Christ in you.
I know it hurts. Remember I can feel what you feel. Healing will come....I promise you that. In the meantime, we walk through the pain together--you and us. That's what communion is about; sharing life and breath in the joy and sorrow--always together.