We often hear the famous phrase, “Pride comes before a fall,” and it’s true — Proverbs 16:18 makes that clear.
But very few people talk about the opposite extreme: low self-esteem.
While pride brings a fall…
Low self-esteem keeps you in a pit.
And trust me, I’ve been there.
My Story: The Weight of Not Feeling “Enough”
There was a season of my life when I constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough.
I’d walk into a room and see everyone being unapologetically themselves — laughing, taking pictures, owning their presence — and yet, I felt like I didn’t belong.
I would shrink.
I would withdraw.
I would silence myself before anyone else even had the chance.
Why?
Because I believed a lie — that I wasn’t enough.
But here’s the irony I later discovered:
The people who step into leadership aren’t always the smartest.
They’re simply the ones who give themselves permission to show up.
Most times, you’re even smarter, more gifted, more capable — you just don’t allow yourself to shine.
Shrinking because of what people might say is equal to shooting yourself in the leg.
People will talk — good or bad — so why dim your light?
My Turning Point
Everything shifted the day I got angry — not at people, but at myself.
I became frustrated with the small version of me I kept presenting to the world.
The discontentment grew so strong that it triggered a transformation.
I literally told myself:
“I am done living like this. I refuse to keep hiding who God made me to be.”
That anger was holy.
It pushed me into a new level of boldness.
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Suddenly, it made sense.
Dimmed light brings God no glory.
Confidence is not arrogance — it’s obedience.
And walking in your identity is not pride — it’s purpose.
The moment you accept that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), everything changes.
Practical Tip: How I Rebuilt My Confidence
I didn’t just pray — I took action.
I started listening to affirmations.
I wrote them on sticky notes and pasted them on my walls — scriptures, declarations, truths about who God says I am.
So every morning, the first thing my eyes met was not fear…
but identity.
And little by little, my mind began to change.
And when your mentality shifts, your life follows.
A Gentle Reminder for You
If you’ve been shrinking…
If you’ve been hiding…
If you’ve been doubting who you are…
This is your reminder:
You are gifted.
You are needed.
Your light matters.
And you are responsible for letting the world see it.
Stop pleasing people.
Stop apologizing for existing.
Stop silencing your own greatness.
There is greatness inside you — God put it there.
Final Word
You don’t have to be perfect to shine.
You just have to be willing.
And may God give you the boldness to walk confidently in the identity He designed for you.
Your light was not made to be hidden.
Let it shine.
P.S. I’m not perfect, and I’m not yet there, but every day I try to take a step towards this, and God has been faithful.