Before I continue.. I know this isn't a big spiritual thing.. But I know God can help, and theirs probably a million uplifting verses I could lodge into my head to help. Also, directing me to a place where my problem can be assisted is nice. :) Forgive me if this is the wrong place to post my problem.

Lately I have been having a problem with 'blushing'. (I put quotations around it because it feels more than just blushing :( )

Up till about 2 or 3 weeks ago, I have had only average problems with self confidence, and I almost never blushed.
Lately, though, I feel as if I'm the ugliest, stupidest, most disgusting thing ever :P And, I'm quite sure that's not true. I have tried being positive, but it just breaks me down. And it seems with every positive comment theirs 20 negative comments to take it's place. I pray to God frequently. (I pray A LOT during the day.. Every small problem I pray a quick short prayer for..)
That's only a small part of the problem, though I feel it's contributing to my bigger problem.
My biggest problem lately, is how often I blush. I don't just blush at embarrassing moments. I blush at anything I'm not prepared for.. A loud sound, a teacher asking me a question, my friend calling out my name.. Virtually anything. I go to the store, I have to fight and fight to keep from blushing and looking as if I stole something.
It's even worse since I live in a hot, humid climate. Which makes it feel more challenging to resist. I know it's only as bad as I make it. If I am distracted I don't blush. But, it keeps gnawing and gnawing at me, and I can't ignore it.
I know some may be thinking, "It's just blushing, who cares. Ignore it."
I'm a pretty shy and timid kid. I take comments seriously and intensely. People say sensitivity is a good thing, but so far in my life it has not brought anything but unhappiness. I am also fairly perceptive :\ (I don't mean to sound snobby or anything.. Perceptiveness is the only thing I can actually pride myself in..) And unfortunately at this age, kids will just demolish your self confidence if it means making themselves feel better. And they don't even have to say anything to me for me to take offense to it.
I can't focus on anything if theirs kids pointing and whispering, "Hey, look that kid is red as a cherry. HAH!"
Some people have the decency to ignore it, and some have the sympathy to tell others to back off, but both of those are very rare scenarios.

Generally, my problem is I can't enter ANY social situation without having the massive fear of blushing. I can't do anything! This problem doesn't just hold back big social events, but in school, I can't participate, and I have to lock myself up in my room to avoid any events I'm unprepared for. Sometimes I get enough strength to manage a good desperate prayer to God, and enough faith to avert my blushing.
"I know I can do this with God's help. Common, you can do it!" That's what I tell myself every time I feel I'm going red, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.


Anyway, again, any help or comments are gladly welcomed and thanked! :) Just reading this is good enough for me.
(Again, I apologize if this isn't the right place :) )

Hi, there!

I wanted to leave you a response. First of all.... blushing IS common in some young people, and excessive blushing in general is something a lot of people deal with. I'm sorry that you've had to. Have to talked to a doctor about it? That might be of some help.

In the meantime... even if it's just because you're embarassed, shy, or nervous.... remember, you are NOT alone. Ever. Christ walks with you, every day of your life. Do you recall the scripture, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"? Sometimes, those 'things' are simply walking into a room, speaking to someone, or doing anything throughout the day. It might not make the blushing completely go away.... but remembering that you are in Him because He's with you may help.

I know what it's like to be shy, and to feel embarassed. I was also a very quiet person when I was a little younger (say, 14, 15, 16) and I know it's rough.... but at the same time, there's something I realized after I came to Christ when I was 19. Back when I was shy and quiet and easily embarassed, I wished I had someone to reach out to, to comfort me, to remind me that I was 'okay'. Most, maybe even ALL kids, need to hear that they are loved and cared for.

And you ARE loved and cared for. God couldn't care MORE if He tried. And He wants you to know that He's with you, that Christ died and rose again, to give us the boldness needed to follow Him. It'll come in time.

For now, just know that we and many other people are 'here for you'. I am praying for you, as I know others are..... and anytime you want to talk, this is a GREAT forum to do it in. We also have a great Counseling forum, a prayer forum, and it would be WELL worth your time to read through the praise forum, as well as the Comfort and Encouragement forums.... because whenever I do that, I am reminded of the wonderful God we serve, who NEVER leaves us.

God bless, friend. :)

Hey JamesV-

I've been there before too. My fear was mostly surrounded by blushing when I went in front of people giving a public speach. This type of thing occurred when I was in high school and college. I did learn to over come my fear of blushing, as I believed at the time, blushing to be a sign of weakness, insecurity, and lack of confidence in oneself. And honestly, maybe I was partially correct, however, I personally needed to find a way around the whole blushing deal, as once the "physical" symptoms started ( face heating up, began to sweat ) I would often show verbal signs as well. I also needed to find a way to stop caring what people thought, and to not stress about someone "making fun."
Sooo, I began to overcome nervousness and blushing by intentionally making people laugh. I found that I actually had a funny sense of humor, and therefore would incorporate this into many public confrontations and situations that dealt with attention on me. It is honestly shocking the difference this made, as I finally "found myself" and was able to express myself.
Give things like this a try...see how it works. And of course, praying for courage, focus, and confidence, as the Lord will bless you with these things as He sees the need...

Thank you for both your posts!

I just re-read my post, and realized how I posted it so much on impulse! Sorry about that, almost a silly post.

Whenever I am facing something that I am very nervous or anxious about, I just imagine holding Jesus' hand and letting him guide me through it. It works Extremely well. And when everyone else is laughing at how red my face, Jesus' is there smiling kind-heartedly.

Thank you for your support :) It's nice to be able to find people who are 'there for you'. I spend most of my time being there for others, and it wears me down.

Works well :) And thank you for the verse!

Also, thank you, Progressguy, for the advice. Always hard finding "who you are". But, the sooner I find that out, the easier confidence will come to me.

Thank you both :) Your advice is welcomed happily!

Blushing is a sign of innocent beauty .......be thankful for it.
That is beauty on the inside, as well as the outside. :hug: Being able to blush is a good thing according to the Bible;
Read Jeremiah 6:15 and 8:12........it isnt so good not to be able to blush, it shows a seared conscience.
You are blessed, be thankful.:spin:

If it's a shyness towards action you are suffering from then be content and joyful in knowing that the only rational thing worth fearing is the Lord. If you are on His business, in His service, then what do you then have to fear? Nothing.

Innocent Beauty, heh. That's interesting! :P Though, it get's to be a bit ridiculous when your blushing when talking to someone casually, or when buying something!
I do like that though, bit of comfort ;) Thanks!

I suppose it's a battle in just trusting that the Lord will take care of me, and being courageous enough to get out of my comfort zone in faith God will show me the way :P.
Big "faith" issue I suppose. It wouldn't be a problem if I wasn't so fearful of it happening every time I talk to someone..
Then again, may not be a direct 'spiritual' thing. Hard deciphering what is and what isn't sometimes :\.