Really needed to hear this…I’ve been told to shut up and be quiet my whole life and now all of a sudden I’m older and being shoved out there and I’m expected to be free and talk more with everyone, when my communication skills have clearly suffered from years of neglect….
As a growing man, I’m learning there’s a certain peace that comes in knowing that people are going to talk, and it’s your job to live.
“Even Jesus was told He had a demon. If perfection did not save Him from gossip, what exactly is your strategy?“
This part hit hard. If Jesus without fear, complete his mission; then we should do the same in our day-to-day activities without fear for what others think or their opinions but with respect for the common and just good of all ✍️
This write-up is timely. I have had to shrink and disobey just because I fear men who are still figuring things out.
And yes, being told to shut up all your life, neglect your own feelings and stick to another's opinion just to be thrown into the open space of influence and power where you have no other place to hide but Him who exalted you, can be scary. But in this moment is where you fear Him who sent you, obey in every word, though, deed and respectfully turn down the vain opinions of unworthy men (for they are the cheapest commodity).
Like in my case — I respect my uncle, but for a long time, I thought I was afraid of him.
You see, I didn’t fully understand the difference back then. Whenever he was around, I would act too careful, too quiet — not because he ever hurt me, but because I didn’t want to do anything wrong in his eyes. I thought that was fear. But growing up, I’ve come to realize it wasn’t fear — it was deep respect.
Sometimes, when someone holds a strong presence or carries authority, we might start acting like we’re afraid — but deep inside, it’s really because we admire them, or don’t want to disappoint them.
So now, I’ve learned:
Fear makes you avoid. Respect draws you closer — with boundaries.
Fear is heavy. Respect is noble.
And honestly, I respect my uncle so much — but now I know I don’t fear him. I just value him a lot.
Really needed to hear this…I’ve been told to shut up and be quiet my whole life and now all of a sudden I’m older and being shoved out there and I’m expected to be free and talk more with everyone, when my communication skills have clearly suffered from years of neglect….
As a growing man, I’m learning there’s a certain peace that comes in knowing that people are going to talk, and it’s your job to live.
Really good piece, gold star :)
“Even Jesus was told He had a demon. If perfection did not save Him from gossip, what exactly is your strategy?“
This part hit hard. If Jesus without fear, complete his mission; then we should do the same in our day-to-day activities without fear for what others think or their opinions but with respect for the common and just good of all ✍️
Thank you, Sylvester 🙌
The fact that I can relate and looking back at times I have hesitated in doing something because of the fear of people is crazy.
Thanks for the beautiful piece
This write-up is timely. I have had to shrink and disobey just because I fear men who are still figuring things out.
And yes, being told to shut up all your life, neglect your own feelings and stick to another's opinion just to be thrown into the open space of influence and power where you have no other place to hide but Him who exalted you, can be scary. But in this moment is where you fear Him who sent you, obey in every word, though, deed and respectfully turn down the vain opinions of unworthy men (for they are the cheapest commodity).
Sometimes, we confuse respect with fear.
Like in my case — I respect my uncle, but for a long time, I thought I was afraid of him.
You see, I didn’t fully understand the difference back then. Whenever he was around, I would act too careful, too quiet — not because he ever hurt me, but because I didn’t want to do anything wrong in his eyes. I thought that was fear. But growing up, I’ve come to realize it wasn’t fear — it was deep respect.
Sometimes, when someone holds a strong presence or carries authority, we might start acting like we’re afraid — but deep inside, it’s really because we admire them, or don’t want to disappoint them.
So now, I’ve learned:
Fear makes you avoid. Respect draws you closer — with boundaries.
Fear is heavy. Respect is noble.
And honestly, I respect my uncle so much — but now I know I don’t fear him. I just value him a lot.