How do I cultivate power when I feel timid?

When I was young, as in before I became a teenager, I was described as shy. I had long dark hair and preferred reading a book inside then tearing through the neighborhood with my siblings. I tended to follow the rules more then, so I was mostly left to my own devices and did not have to interact with people. I was what some would call shy back then. Or had not come out of my shell. Now I would be labeled as an introvert and people might give me more space to recoup instead of demanding I get over my shy self and interact with others. The eighties weren't the best time to be a shy kid. 

As I continued into adolescence, I discovered a knack for theater and music. I wanted to be a part of them more then I did reading. I found it easier to be someone else than myself. For a long time that became what I did. Hid my true self in the guise of other people. When people needed a joke, I was the comedian. When they needed answers, I was the professor. Questions about the bible, I was the pastor. I

started to build these different personalities that fit whatever situation I was in. But I never really figured out who I was. I felt there was something deficient in my natural tendencies. 

As an adult, I was going to church and building my family. I joined groups and then left them when the need for intimacy became greater than my ability to hide my ugly self. Eventually, that got really old and exhausting. I had some mentors speak into me that it was ok to be myself. That my true self would be more welcome at a table then whatever persona I was trying to be. That the exhaustion I was feeling might even lesson if I stopped trying to hide who God had created me to be. I could be bold in showing others who I was. I didn't need to be afraid of rejection, because I had already been accepted by the Creator. 

Second Timothy, chapter one verse seven says:

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, 

but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

That is my call to you. That you would not be afraid to be who you are. That the same God who showed me, through a friend, how to let others love my true self wants you also to let others see you. Be bold, be brave be powerful. Not in your own strength. But in the Spirit that He has given all believers.