Humility or Hiddenness?

There’s something deeply comforting about living in the quiet, isn’t there? Those tucked-away places where no one’s watching, where no expectations are placed on us, just the warmth of familiar spaces. I can easily get lost in my little introverted world, typing away, surrounded by my family, fireplaces, and books, or finding a cozy corner in my backyard to sit and let the sun dance on my face. In these places, there’s no need to strive, no forced conversations—just peace.

But get me in a room with people, or at a coffee date with a friend, and suddenly I’m talking up a storm. I’ll talk your ear off, likely overshare, and become a version of myself that even I don’t quite understand sometimes. People might think I’m an extrovert, ready to engage and open up. But then, other days, I’ll find myself wrapped in silence, taking longer than I’d like to return to society, as if hiding from the very connections I crave.

In a way, it’s like I’m living in two worlds. And I don’t think I’m alone in this. Many of us feel that tug between wanting to be seen and wanting to retreat. I tell myself that I don’t need to be noticed or recognized. My blog has always been a tucked-away corner where I write as if I’m speaking to just one reader, and I find comfort in that, knowing that God is and always will be the hero of my story.

Recently, a dear friend said something that stopped me in my tracks. We were talking about what God might have in store for me in the coming year, what His plans might be as I prepare for 2025. I casually mentioned that I was happy to keep a low profile, staying in a humble state and quietly sharing my love for Him. Then she hit me with a question I wasn’t ready for.

“Are you seeking humility, or are you hiding?”

Ouch. It was like the words themselves shone a light on something in my heart that I’d kept in the shadows. And in that moment, I didn’t have an answer because I knew I had to wrestle with the truth. Am I truly seeking humility, the kind that honors God above myself? Or am I, in reality, hiding behind a shield of “humility” so I don’t have to risk being seen?

So here’s my truth. I have no issue sharing the messy parts of my life, showing the scars that have accumulated over decades. I’ve always imagined it would reach a small group—a little tribe gathering in a tiny space on a little unknown page. I loved the idea that the struggles and the lessons learned could resonate, but in a tucked-away corner where very few would ever really read it. Then I received a word from the Lord: Let the sparrow fly. I felt it release, felt this little bird begin to soar, and I panicked. Was I ready to fly? Was this space ready to grow? And I doubted if I was strong enough to keep up with wherever He might lead.

And it’s funny, you know? We look at our roles, our callings, and we see them as small. Many of us stay in that small space because it feels safe. We don’t want to step out into the unknown, afraid of messing it up, or maybe, like me, afraid of being seen as more than we feel we are. And yet, we look at others doing the same thing, and we’re quick to remind them of the impact they could have. “My goodness, you could do so much, reach so many for the kingdom with what God has given you!” But when it comes to our own lives, we cannot seem to see the unique role God’s crafted for us in His grand plan. We hide the light, dimming it behind a curtain of comfort, afraid to let it shine.

This is a tough thing to confront, and I think that’s exactly why the Holy Spirit nudged me to share it with you. How many of us are hiding from our callings? Or maybe we’re afraid they’ll be bigger than we can handle, that stepping into them will be too much for us. But then I’m reminded—do we really believe anything is too big for God to walk us through? Or are we relying on our own strength and letting fear keep us tucked away, out of sight?

True humility isn’t about hiding; it’s about letting go of the need to elevate ourselves, trusting that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Hiddenness, on the other hand, keeps us in the shadows, safe from the vulnerability that comes when we allow ourselves to be fully seen, when we step out and allow God to use us in ways that may stretch us beyond our comfort zones.

If I’m honest, I think this battle between humility and hiddenness is one we all face. And it’s not always easy to see the difference. But maybe that’s where the Holy Spirit steps in, gently nudging us to take a closer look at our hearts. Are we holding back, keeping ourselves small, because we’re afraid of what God might ask us to do? Or are we willing to trust that He’ll equip us for whatever He calls us to?

Maybe you’re in a season where God is calling you to step out more boldly, to let your light shine a little brighter, even if it feels uncomfortable. And if that’s you, know that I’m right there with you, asking the same questions and feeling the same pull. You are the light of the world, a city on a hill. Even when it feels safer to stay hidden, remember that you carry a light that was never meant to be kept under a bushel.

So, here’s the question I’m wrestling with, and maybe it’s a question for you, too: are we truly seeking humility, or are we hiding? Maybe both… Let’s be brave enough to step into the plans God has for us, trusting that He’s already gone ahead, and nothing He asks of us is too big for Him to accomplish through us.

May we find the courage to let our light shine—not for our own sake, but for His glory. And may we trust that He’ll carry us through every step, no matter how daunting the journey might seem.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

With all my heart,

Sarah x.

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