Finding Courage in Overwhelming Spaces

I recently found myself at a conference feeling like a lost fish navigating unfamiliar waters. The buzz of conversations around me, the clinking of coffee cups, and the constant movement of people in and out of sessions felt overwhelming. I came with the intention of making meaningful connections, yet as I stood there, the thought of approaching strangers seemed intimidating. I was battling with myself, torn between the desire to take full advantage of the opportunity and the anxiety of not knowing how to start.

In moments like these, it’s easy to feel small and unsure. But as Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.” This simple yet profound advice pushed me to find the courage I needed. I realized I needed more than just a deep breath; I needed some encouragement, practical steps, and divine guidance to help me navigate this sea of unfamiliar faces. That’s when I turned to some Soul Insights—truths that ground me in moments of uncertainty.

Soul Insights

Embracing God’s Presence in Fearful Moments (Joshua 1:9):
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This insight has been a source of strength for me. As I stood in that crowded room, feeling like a small fish in a big pond, I remembered that God is always with me. Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear; it means choosing to move forward in spite of it. “Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear,” as Ambrose Redmoon once wrote. I prayed for the strength to see beyond my fears and focus on God’s promise to be with me wherever I go. This gave me the assurance to take that first step—to start a conversation, even if it felt daunting.

Drawing Power from the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7):
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

I reminded myself that timidity isn’t from God. The Holy Spirit equips us with power, love, and self-discipline—everything needed to face new situations with confidence. Instead of letting hesitation hold me back, I chose to believe that God had already empowered me for this moment. Approaching someone wasn’t just about courage; it was about trusting that the Spirit within me would guide the conversation, giving me the right words and demeanor. “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called,” and in that moment, I chose to trust that I was called to connect and be present.

Releasing Control and Trusting God’s Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

As I struggled with feeling overwhelmed, this Soul Insight reminded me to release my need to control how everything would turn out. My understanding is limited, but God’s is infinite. Trusting Him meant stepping out of my comfort zone, not knowing where the conversation would lead but believing that He would guide it to a place of connection and purpose. As Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” This helped me surrender my anxious thoughts and take each step with faith.

Practical Tips

Set Intentions and Pray for Guidance:
I began my day with a simple prayer, asking God to guide me toward meaningful connections and to give me the courage to approach the right people. This helped me feel grounded and purposeful as I navigated the conference.
Approach with Curiosity and Openness:
Instead of dreading small talk, I decided to approach conversations with genuine curiosity. I asked open-ended questions like, “What’s been the highlight of your experience here so far?” This allowed me to move beyond surface-level exchanges and opened up deeper dialogues.
Practice Active Listening:
I focused on being fully present in each conversation. By making eye contact, nodding, and reflecting back what the other person was sharing, I found that people were more engaged and willing to share more. It wasn’t just about what I said; it was about truly listening and being there.
Share Personal Stories and Be Vulnerable:
I learned that sharing a little bit about myself—like my nervousness about being at the conference—often opened the door for others to share their own experiences. Vulnerability became a bridge to more meaningful interactions.
Find Common Ground:
I looked for moments where our stories or interests overlapped. This not only helped in easing the conversation but also in creating a genuine bond.
Be Intentional About Follow-Up:
After a good conversation, I made sure to express my interest in staying in touch. Whether through exchanging contact details or connecting on LinkedIn, following up helped turn fleeting conversations into lasting connections.

Self-Assessment: Reflect and Connect

To help you apply these insights and tips to your own life, consider these self-assessment questions:

1. What fears or anxieties might be holding you back from engaging with others more deeply? Reflect on whether these fears are rooted in reality or are assumptions that need to be challenged.

2. How can you incorporate more intentionality and genuine curiosity in your next conversation? Think about one specific action you can take to listen better, share more authentically, or find common ground.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the waters of a conference or any new experience can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, connection, and deeper faith. Remember that you are not alone; God is with you, equipping you with the courage and tools needed to make meaningful connections. Each encounter is a chance to learn, grow, and be a light in someone else’s journey. As I learned, sometimes all it takes is a prayer, a step of faith, and a willingness to trust that God is guiding your path.

Soul Path Insights