How to Live Brave in an Anxious World

Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Stacy Averette

I recently heard someone say, “Show up anxious.”
At first, it made me smile — because haven’t we all?

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized something important:
We live in a world where people feel paralyzed by anxiety. We talk about it more than ever, but we also feel it more than ever. And somewhere along the way, many of us started believing that feeling anxious means we’re not strong, not spiritual enough, or not ready.

But here’s the truth I wish someone had said out loud years ago:

You can feel nervous and still be brave.
You can show up with shaky hands and a steady heart.
You can do the thing scared — and still be completely held by God.

And that’s what I want to talk about today.

---

We Used to Call It “Nerves.”

Growing up, we didn’t use the word anxiety much.
We said things like:

• “I’m nervous.”
• “I’ve got butterflies.”
• “My stomach’s in knots.”
• “I’m worried about what might happen.”

And somehow, we just… showed up anyway.

That’s been the story of most of my life.
I’ve shown up nervous more times than I can count.

I feel anxious:

• Teaching
• Speaking
• Raising kids
• Starting new things
• Showing up for hard conversations
• Pressing “publish” on a blog post
• Posting on social media
• At social events
• At church
• Driving my car

I’ve done all of it with sweaty palms, a fluttering stomach, and a thousand “What ifs?” swirling in my head.

People might be surprised to hear that — but it’s true.
Nervousness has been my quiet companion for decades.
I just never let it keep me home.

---

Feeling Nervous Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak

Somewhere along the way, anxiety became a label people wear as if it defines them.

But nervousness?
Anxiety?
Worry about what might happen?

These things don’t mean:

• You lack faith
• You’re fragile
• You’re doing something wrong
• You’re not “together” enough
• You need to have it all figured out before you move

They simply mean you’re human.

And especially in midlife — when we’re juggling aging parents, adult children, marriages, grandkids, finances, shifting friendships, and our own changing bodies — nerves can show up at any moment.

But nerves aren’t a stop sign.
They’re a reminder to lean in, not bow out.

---

What Anxiety Wants vs. What Faith Invites

Anxiety whispers:

• “Don’t risk it.”
• “Stay home.”
• “Play it safe.”
• “What if you mess up?”
• “What if they notice your shaking voice?”
• “What if they laugh at you?”

Faith, on the other hand, whispers something altogether different:

• “I’m with you.”
• “You don’t have to feel confident to be courageous.”
• “You can take the next step.”
• “Courage is choosing movement, not perfection.”

Scripture doesn’t say:

If I am afraid…

It says:

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3

Fear is expected.
Trust is the invitation.

---

The Quiet Bravery of Showing Up Nervous

Here’s what I’ve learned:

God doesn’t ask me to show up fearless.
He asks me to show up faithful.

And faithful often looks like:

• hands trembling
• knees knocking
• heart pounding
• voice soft and unsure
• taking one small step at a time

Confidence doesn’t usually lead.
It follows.

Most of the time, courage shows up long before confidence does.

And almost always — as I move, God meets me.

---

5 Ways to “Show Up Nervous” Today

If you’re in a season of fear, hesitation, or anxiety, here are gentle, doable ways to practice showing up anyway:

1. Name What’s Making You Nervous

Whisper it.
Write it down.
Tell God.

Bringing it into the light takes away its power.

2. Ask, “What’s the Smallest Brave Step?”

Don’t leap.
Don’t overhaul your life.
Just take one small, doable step.

3. Let Your Body Feel Nervous — and Still Move

Shaky isn’t sinful.
Butterflies aren’t a barrier.

You’re allowed to be a little scared and still move forward.

(I’ve learned that most people “do it scared”. It’s so easy to look at others and assume they’re brave—not nervous—but it’s rarely the case.)

4. Remember That God Meets You in Motion

Lying in bed, rehearsing disaster, never builds courage.
Taking a step does.

Faith grows in motion, not in analysis.

5. Celebrate the Showing Up, Not the Outcome

It’s not about being brilliant, polished, or brave-looking.

It’s about being there, heart open, willing, and available.

That’s courage.

---

People See “Confidence” but Don’t See the Nerves

Women sometimes tell me:

“You’re so confident.”
“You always seem so put together.”
“You never seem anxious.”

And I smile because I’ve heard it enough to believe it’s sincere — but I also know the truth.

Much of what I’ve done in my life — in ministry, writing, family, and leadership — I’ve done nervously.

That doesn’t make me weak.
It makes me obedient.

And it makes God’s faithfulness shine even brighter.

I remember when my mentor and favorite seminary professor suggested I apply to the doctoral program. I laughed and said, “Me? You must be joking. You know I write like I talk and that’ll never fly with a dissertation.” I was SO INTIMIDATED by the whole process. He promised to help me, and he did. I still get emotional thinking about our friendship and his encouragement.

---

So Here’s My Invitation to You

If you’ve been waiting to feel less anxious before you:

• Join the Bible study
• Reach out to your adult child
• Host the gathering
• Go to the doctor
• Apply for the job
• Share your story
• Try something new
• Step back into a church

I want you to hear this:

Don’t wait to feel fearless.
Show up nervous.
God will take care of the rest.

You’re not behind.
You’re not broken.
You’re not disqualified.
You’re simply human — and deeply loved.

And nervous or not, you can keep showing up.

I’m right there with you. 💛

In case you missed it or you don’t follow me on Facebook, I wrote a post that might be helpful when you “have a bad feeling” about something. Here’s the link to that post:

https://www.facebook.com/stacy.averette/posts/pfbid02CJPZnBVRPur6o5SHfWjAmX1nkcZnCUHjZRHZSsm2o3KibUTUbijgZqL2A5FBNTTCl