Since childhood, I have carried a quiet fear of speaking in front of others whether among friends, in small gatherings, or before a crowd. Whenever the moment came, it often felt as though my words simply vanished, leaving me unsure and exposed.

Yet something remarkable happens when I am called to speak the Word of the Lord. In those moments, a freedom rises within me, and words flow with an ease I do not naturally possess. It feels as though the Spirit of God gently places His words upon my lips. He becomes my utterance when fear tries to silence me, my voice when I feel I have none.

I have often wondered why it feels so different. Then I remember a tender moment from my childhood, when I was twelve years old. The Lord spoke to me clearly, assuring me that He Himself would give me the words to speak. He sealed that promise through Jeremiah 1:4–10, reminding me that I was not alone in saying, “I do not know how to speak.”

Even so, the struggle has lingered. In front of people, everything I know can suddenly freeze. Words escape me in both English and French. Some assume it is a language issue, but the truth runs deeper. It has been a lifelong wrestle with fear and timidity.

Still, Christ in me the hope of glory remains my strength. Though conversations often flow easily in my thoughts but hesitate at my lips, He is patiently loosening the grip of fear. Little by little, I see change. I speak with more confidence, take bold stands, and even defend myself and others without tears. For me, these are victories worth celebrating.

Philippians 1:6 lives within my heart: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” And so I wait with expectation, trusting the Spirit to continue shaping my heart and my voice.

Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

I still desire to speak with greater gentleness, without sounding harsh or distant. I long to be approachable to carry a presence that invites rather than pushes away. At times I am misunderstood, and yes, it hurts. But daily, I lean on God’s strength. His work in me is beautiful, and I know I will not fail.

Step by step, I move from glory to glory