Many who seem to have it all together are silently battling loneliness, pressure, and identity struggles. The world sees their confidence and excellence, yet behind the scenes, they wrestle with personal emptiness, expectations, and the fear of losing relevance. This cycle of on-stage dopamine—the emotional high from being celebrated—can lead to dangerous lows. Many turn to addiction, toxic relationships, or financial strain in an attempt to sustain the feeling. But is there another way?

Part One: The Highs & The Hidden Lows

The High of Being on Stage

There’s no denying the thrill that comes from being on stage. It’s a unique experience:

• The energy of the crowd fills the room.
• The validation of being seen and appreciated fuels your confidence.
• The adrenaline rush makes you feel invincible.
• The sense of purpose makes everything seem worthwhile.

For a moment, everything feels perfect. You are in your element, doing what you were made to do.

But what happens when the moment passes?

The Hidden Loneliness

The silence after the applause is deafening. When the messages stop coming in, when no one is calling you out, when you’re just alone in your thoughts—what fills the void?

Many who thrive in the public eye often struggle in private:

• They battle loneliness when they’re not performing.
• They feel pressure to always be “on.”
• They fear losing the respect they receive in the spotlight.
• They struggle with feeling unseen in their personal relationships.

People expect them to always be at their best. But when they’re off-stage, they’re just human—tired, imperfect, and sometimes, broken.

Part Two: The Struggles Behind the Curtain

The Pressure to Maintain an Image

The public creates an expectation: “If you’re great on stage, you must have everything in order.” But in reality, this is rarely true. Many artists, pastors, speakers, and public figures fight inner battles while putting on a polished image.

To maintain this illusion, they sometimes fall into traps:

• Addiction: Turning to substances, pornography, or other unhealthy habits to numb the emptiness.
• Failed relationships: Seeking validation from strangers while neglecting close loved ones.
• Financial struggles: Overspending to maintain an illusion of success, leading to debt, stress, and anxiety.

Seeking Validation in the Wrong Places

When they don’t receive the same honor and attention from their spouses or close friends as they do from the public, frustration sets in. They crave the same level of admiration but feel like they don’t get it.

This leads to:

• Emotional distance from loved ones.
• Seeking attention from outsiders who only value their fame.
• A false sense of self-worth based on public approval.

The problem is, the people who celebrate you on stage don’t know you. They only know what you present to them. But true love and accountability come from those who see you beyond your performance.

Part Three: The Truth & The Way Forward

Your Identity is Not in Your Performance

Your greatest worth is not in how people see you on stage—it’s in how God sees you. The Apostle Paul writes:

Romans 12:3 (NIV)
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

This is a reality check.

• You are not defined by the applause.
• You are not measured by how well you perform.
• Your worth is found in God, not in people’s validation.

Rest in God’s Grace

When you lower your expectations of yourself and stop seeking validation from people, you’ll find peace. The pressure to perform will no longer control your joy.

Paul gives another encouragement in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

God is not expecting you to be perfect. He’s expecting you to trust Him, even in your weak moments.

To The Church: Let’s Show Mercy to Our Ministers

As a church, we often place too much pressure on our ministers. We expect them to be flawless, always strong, and always available. But they are human too. They also need grace.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:2:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

What Can We Do?

• Love them beyond their performance. Let’s appreciate them for who they are, not just for what they do.
• Pray for them. Instead of only expecting them to pour into us, let’s intercede for them.
• Rebuke them in love. If they fall, let’s not crucify them—let’s correct them and restore them.

Ministers, artists, and speakers don’t just need fans—they need real community, real accountability, and real love.

Final Thoughts

• Your true self is not on stage.
• Your real family is not your fans.
• Your worth is in Christ, not in people’s approval.

To my fellow brothers and sisters in public spaces: Take the pressure off yourself. Seek God more than applause. Rest in His grace.

And to the Church: Let’s support our ministers with love, grace, and prayer.

Yours in Christ,

Christopher Lusiga