By Sally Jo

So, here’s the deal: I’m diving into developing a ministry around human sexuality—a topic that’s, well… a little charged, to say the least. And while I’m passionate and excited about it, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous too. Actually, there are a lot of things that make me nervous. I figured I’d just lay them all out here because maybe you’ve felt this way too, or maybe you just want a little peek behind the curtain of what’s rolling around in my head.

Here’s my honest list:

How Volatile the Conversation Can Be
Talking about sexuality today feels like walking through a field of fireworks while holding a lit match. You never quite know what’s going to set something off. It’s a topic people are deeply passionate about—and sometimes that passion explodes without warning. It makes me nervous, knowing that even if I speak carefully, things can still get heated fast.

The Political Ideology of American Culture
It feels like everything these days gets shoved into some political box, and conversations about sexuality are no exception. Sometimes I worry that no matter how hard I try to stay rooted in Scripture and speak with love, people will assume I’m pushing a political agenda. It’s frustrating because the Kingdom of God isn’t red or blue, but somehow, people still try to paint you one color or the other.

The Rapid Assumption of Intent
This one’s tough. It’s hard when people assume they know why you’re saying something before they even hear what you’re actually saying. Sometimes it feels like no matter how much prayer or care goes into a conversation, people will still jump to conclusions. That makes my stomach do somersaults, honestly.

Not Being Conservative Enough
Part of me worries that I won’t be “conservative enough” for some crowds. Like, will people think I’m watering down truth? Will they think I’m too soft? There’s a real pressure to make sure you’re standing firm and clear—and that kind of expectation can feel heavy.

Not Being Progressive Enough
And then, on the flip side, there’s the fear of not being “progressive enough.” Culture is changing fast, and sometimes it feels like if you’re not sprinting to keep up, you’re left behind. I want to be compassionate and relevant without compromising truth—but sometimes it feels like no matter what you say, it’s not enough for some people.

The Potential to Make Everyone Mad or Offended
Honestly? I sometimes joke that my superpower might be offending everyone equally. (Not exactly the superpower I was hoping for.) But in reality, it’s hard to shake the fear that speaking up might just leave everyone a little bit mad. It’s tough knowing that no matter how much grace you try to lead with, some conversations are just going to sting.

Risking My Reputation
There’s always that whisper in the back of my mind: What will people think? Will they misunderstand me? Will they label me? Will doors close because of what I choose to say—or not say? Trusting God with my reputation is easier said than done, but it’s part of the cost, and I’m learning (slowly) that it’s a cost worth paying.

Saying the Wrong Thing
Nobody wants to be the person who unintentionally says something hurtful. I know I’m not perfect, and I’m going to make mistakes. But that fear—that one wrong word could cause real pain—can be paralyzing if I let it.

Saying the Right Thing
And weirdly, sometimes saying the right thing can be just as scary. Because even when you speak truth in love, there’s no guarantee it will be received well. I wrestle with that a lot—the fear of doing the right thing and still facing rejection.

---

Even with all that spinning in my head, here’s the good news: I’m not going to let my nervousness run the show. At the end of the day, I believe this work matters way too much to back down because it’s scary. I’m learning to submit all those fears to God—sometimes daily, sometimes minute-by-minute—and just keep moving forward. It’s messy and imperfect and definitely not always graceful, but God’s been faithful. And I’m trusting that He’ll keep giving me the courage to speak truth with compassion, even when my voice shakes a little.

If you’re curious about how I’m learning to navigate these nerves and keep stepping forward anyway, stay tuned—there’s definitely more to come. (Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of prayer, a lot of deep breaths, and a whole lot of Jesus.)