Rachel, I don't think that there are ANY here who have failed a test when it comes to "fear of man" at some point. It IS scary, when you have to listen to an office room hush when you enter, or low murmurs. It can make you feel paranoid. Sometimes I wonder if just being thrown to the lions and getting it over with would be easier.I just am. I'm a coward when it comes down to the line on some things. I'd rather just ignore things at work, laugh off discussionis or questions, than say what I really think and risk making things uncomfortable and awkward between my coworkers and I. Perhaps it's only a perceived notion that it would make things awkward when in reality maybe they wouldn't care, but I find it hard to take the risk so far.
There's a certain balance. It's like I know they aren't Christians so I can't expect them to act like it, but I need to be more bold.
Edited to add: They don't ask questions about my faith. If they did, I would answer honestly and boldly. But in other areas that they talk about, I have opportunities I could use to talk about it or what I believe, and I don't.
But it's also an opportunity to show the strength of Christ and the joy you have through him.
Just so ya know....for you, I am now praying against any sort of self-condemnation, and for boldness. Cheers!