Trapped

It’s a difficult place to be sometimes-trapped in my own skin, knowing that the person I am on the inside doesn’t always match the person people see on the outside. Inside, I’m outgoing—full of ideas, excitement, and a genuine love for connecting with others. Once someone gets to know me, I can talk for hours, sharing stories, dreams, and all the jokes. But on the outside, I often come across as shy, maybe even a little reserved, and that can make it hard for me to truly connect with new people.

It’s not that I don’t want to meet new people or step out into the world. In fact, I crave those deep connections and the joy of shared experiences. But when I’m faced with a new situation, there’s this voice in my head that too often holds me back, whispering doubts and insecurities. It tells me that I’m better off staying quiet, that people won’t understand me, or that I’ll be judged if I let them see who I really am.

This tension between my inner self and outer appearance can be overwhelming. I’ll find myself in social settings where I want to open up, but instead, I shrink back, letting others take the lead while I fade into the background. Even though I know for certain I was meant to stand out, and born to lead. It’s like there’s an invisible wall that keeps me from stepping out, a barrier between who I am and who I’m perceived to be.

But I know this isn’t how God wants me to live. I know that He didn’t create me to hide away or to be paralyzed by fear and doubt. Scripture speaks so clearly to this struggle. One verse that I hold close is 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

These words remind me that God didn’t design me to be shy or timid. The fear I feel in social situations doesn’t come from Him. Instead, He has given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. These are the tools I need to break down the walls of shyness and let others see the real me—the person He created with a purpose.

Of course, embracing this truth isn’t always easy. There are still moments when I feel trapped by my shyness, when I have to push myself to speak up or engage with others. But I’m learning that I don’t have to face these challenges alone. I’m learning to lean on God’s strength, to trust that He is with me every step of the way, and to believe that He has equipped me to overcome these obstacles.

Philippians 4:13 is another verse that I turn to often: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a reminder that while I may not feel strong enough on my own, with Christ, I can overcome any barrier—including the shyness that keeps me from truly connecting with others.

So, I’m choosing to step out in faith. I’m choosing to believe that God has more for me than a life lived in the shadows. I’m choosing to trust that He will help me to break through the walls of shyness and allow the outgoing person inside me to shine. It’s a journey, and I know it will take time, but with God’s help, I’m confident that I can become the person He has called me to be.

If you find yourself feeling stuck like I do, shy on the outside but longing to connect on the inside, know that you’re not alone. We’re in this together, and with God’s guidance, we can overcome the challenges that hold us back. Let’s take this journey of faith, trusting that He will lead us into a life full of power, love, and a sound mind—a life where we can truly

be ourselves, inside and out.