Article July 23, 1984 Issue

Gaining freedom from timidity

RUSS GERBER

The sheer number of books, recordings, and seminars on becoming assertive or dynamic leaves little doubt that our society deems timidity as highly undesirable. "Timidity" is defined as a lack of boldness and determination, and the timid are characterized as being fearful, hesitant, weak, or reticent. It's no surprise that there's quite a market for overcoming timidity.

But for one struggling with the manacles of this limitation, something other than human psychological techniques is needed if he is to break free of the belief that timidity is an actual part of his character.

The need to handle timidity from a Christianly scientific basis became apparent to me during class instruction from an authorized teacher of Christian Science. I was developing such a wonderful comprehension of this Science that it seemed more than natural, almost requisite, that I share my gratitude. Then came the counterthoughts of fear and inadequacy. But this time my heart was so filled with the desire to share, I couldn't hold back, as much as timidity would try to have me retreat. I was impelled to search out the roots of timidity in my thinking and to remove them by applying the truths of God and man I had been taught during class. In the process I considered three distinct metaphysical points: legitimacy, operation, freedom.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Wisdom of "worldlings" or spirit of God?