No Shrinking violet

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 2:16

No shrinking violet is said about someone who expresses themself with confidence, boldness, and authority. A shrinking violet is someone who is shy, socially backwards, or timid around others. This was coined by Leigh Hunt in a poem in reference to the viola flower but now figuratively refers to the personality of an awkward person.

This may come as a shock but I was painfully shy until around the seventh grade when I started coming out of my shell. I was just awkward around others and this made me an easy target for the mean girls to torment, especially in the fifth and sixth grade. Thankfully I started finding my voice and stand up for myself.

Our personalities start to evolve at a young age. Some toddlers will talk to anyone while others won’t look you in the eye. My firstborn was a very independent strong-willed girl who took nothing off of anyone. One day in kindergarten a boy told her she was sitting in his chair during circle time. She boldly stood up, looked at the chair and said to him, “I don’t see your name on it!”, and sat back down. If only we could all have that much confidence to stand up for what is right all the time.

For those of us who weren’t born with confidence, we can acquire confidence when our reliance is on the Lord. His grace is sufficient and He alone can strengthen us in our weaknesses. God is able to equip us with self-assurance when we can’t find it within our spirit. It reminds me of the young shepherd boy who was brave enough to fight Goliath. David knew he didn’t have a fighting chance against this huge man but even in his youth, he knew that if his strength came from the Lord, he could accomplish anything.

I think as adults we get complacent and forget to call upon the Lord in our time of need. He knows us inside out and is waiting to encourage us to become bold when we call on Him.