Don't Fear

When fear causes you to hide

By: Gloria Joy Ingram

Over the years, I discovered how fear caused me to hide. On the outside, I showed up strong—like a bold lion. I smiled, served, and stayed committed. But on the inside, fear quietly kept me shrinking, making me feel small, unseen, and hesitant.

Fear didn’t make me disappear physically—it silenced my voice. I hid my gifts, skills, and creativity because fear convinced me it was safer to stay in the background. I learned how to function, perform, and even lead, while still doubting my worth and second-guessing my calling.

Fear has a subtle way of disguising itself. It can look like humility, caution, or waiting on the “right time.” But beneath it all, fear keeps you from fully showing up as who God created you to be. It whispers that your voice doesn’t matter, your gifts aren’t enough, and your presence won’t make a difference.

What I eventually learned is this: hiding doesn’t protect you, it limits you.

Every time I chose to stay silent, I felt smaller. Every time I ignored the nudge to step forward, fear grew stronger. I realized that courage wasn’t about eliminating fear; it was about refusing to let fear lead.

When I began to face fear, something shifted. I stopped shrinking and started standing. I gave myself permission to be seen, to use my voice, and to trust that what God placed inside of me was intentional and necessary.

If fear has caused you to hide, know this, you were never meant to shrink. You were created to show up fully, boldly, and unapologetically. When you show up fierce, stop hiding and start walking in truth, fear loses its power, and you begin to live free, confident, and unstoppable.

2Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.