Fear-based Shyness

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

How many times have you known the correct answer to the question asked in class, but were afraid to answer? How many group conversations have passed about your favourite topics, but you were too afraid to contribute? How many opportunities have passed where you know you would've killed it, but you just couldn't get yourself to do it? How many more of these situations are you willing to endure? 

Fear-based shyness has an interesting way of embracing you. It wraps you in a blanket of perceived safety mixed with angst and a sprinkle of anticipation. You anticipate judgment, rejection, humiliation, all while playing tug-of-war over whether to add your input to the discussion or just sit there and nod. The moment passes, and someone says exactly what you were thinking. Some agree, others go off on a tangent against the opinion, and fear concludes, ‘ I saved you from judgment.’ But what happened to the opinions of those who agreed, and why does the disagreement of the others seem so big?  In reality, neither of them matters more or less than your opinions or ideas.

When you recognize that your mind is playing tug of war between whether or not you should have a voice, grab the rope and lean into choosing to speak. Let your heart race, feel the fear and then let it go. Don't hold onto it in anticipation of a response; let fear go as you speak. Eventually, that rope will lose its tension, and you will continue to choose your voice, whether or not anyone agrees with your opinions or ideas. 

Resources

The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)