Comments on: Teaching a pig to sing

By: David Coffield

David Coffield — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:21:54 +0000

Glad to be reading my uncles work.

By: Steve Hayes

Steve Hayes — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:42:40 +0000

I don’t know if you’ll get to a reply on a post this old, but I can’t resist referencing one of my all-time favorite t-shirts (to which you obliquely refer) after recently discovering your site & this post:

Never try to teach a pig to sing.
It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

Jesus warned us about this, but I’ve spent many days annoying pigs.

By: Tom Fleming

Tom Fleming — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:18:14 +0000

Jim, Thanks for that article. Your use of the phrase “swimming up stream” really spoke to me. I’m a big-time introvert. Give me a funeral any day over a wedding! Generally, people at funerals are quiet (especially the one in the casket) and thoughful, and looking for me to say something thoughtful and helpful. Generally no big party after the funeral, perhaps just a quiet meal. Weddings are often one big social event. Anyway, I need to accept the way God wired me, and learn to use it to my advantage, for His glory. Thanks again!

By: Dusty Hart

Dusty Hart — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:28:18 +0000

Thanks Jim for taking the time to share with us this valuable information. It is very encouraging to be reminded that we aren’t all the same, and that by being the person God has created is honoring him.

Have you ever considered paying someone to do your taxes and/or getting a TA to grade your papers for you? Just a thought about surrounding yourself with people who are strong in areas you are not?

By: Dr. Ken Schira

Dr. Ken Schira — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:27:20 +0000

Dr. Jim,

I’ve discovered many of the realities of the singing-pig syndrome. Or, should I say, these realities have uncovered me – I’m not sure which came first. I’m an introvert that plays well with the extroverts.

Pastors are not play-dough. They are people. We are not molded, although we do learn to make adjustments; because we are called.

I’ve been that singing-pig in a few of my pastoral assignments throughout the years, becoming involved in areas that are not well suited to my personality. Your correct. Its not enjoyable.

Dr. Brown was right – Great Article!

By: Rev. Brian E. Sharp

Rev. Brian E. Sharp — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:18:42 +0000

Jim, this was great! I am very extroverted most of the time, including how I also formulate thoughts while I speak. My wife is introverted and we had some awesome premarital counseling that helped us learn to communicate through that.

Strangely enough though, at the church socials at the end of a busy week, I really don’t want to be there. I hang around a couple of people until I think I’ve “done my time” and then bolt. I am already exhausted and things like that really wear me out.

Great article, which has really got me thinking about some things. Thank you!