What was meant as an act of trust and encouragement was seen as cowardice—as if I were running from responsibility. It hurts when people judge your retreat without understanding the faith that prompted it.
"Alam nilang ayaw mong nagsasalita sa harap? O dahil hindi ka binibigyan ng pagkakataong makapagsalita?"
I asked my colleague this after a successful workshop presentation. I stepped back because I truly believed in her ability to shine.