By Hannah Cedars — The Appalachian Sage
There comes a point in life when you notice something that stings a little deeper than you’d care to admit.
You pour your heart into something…
You share it with the world…
You cheer for others, “like” their posts, applaud their kids, lift their small businesses, encourage their steps forward…
But when it’s your turn?
Silence………………..SILENCE….(Its SO loud sometimes)
Not one heart.
Not a comment.
Not even a tiny thumbs-up from the folks who claim to care.
It hurts…..Deep inside its hurts.
It cuts in a place most people don’t talk about.
And if you’ve felt this, sweetheart, let me tell you — you’re not alone.
The Quiet Truth: Some People Don’t Clap Because They Can’t
Your success reminds them of their stagnation.
Your voice reminds them they never grew their own.
Your courage exposes their excuses.
Your light irritates their shadows.
And jealousy?
Oh, it’s real. It’s as old as Scripture.
Even Jesus said:
“A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”
(Mark 6:4)
Meaning — the people who know you the most often support you the least.
Not because you’re unworthy.
But because familiarity blinds them to your brilliance.
Why Strangers Cheer Louder Than Those Nearby
Isn’t it something…
A person across the country will clap for you before your own friends or family ever lift a finger?
It’s because:
- They don’t compete with you.
- They see your work with fresh eyes.
- They aren’t threatened.
- They want you to win.
Your “real tribe” may not share your DNA, your zip code, or your last name…
But they’ll sure show up for your purpose.
How to Recognize When You’re Surrounded by the Wrong Crowd
You’ll know by these signs:
• You support them — they stay silent in return.
• Your posts get ignored, but theirs get applause.
• They watch your progress but never encourage it.
• They minimize your efforts or act like they don’t see them.
• You feel drained, unseen, or quietly dismissed around them.
If this sounds familiar, then honey…
It might be time to loosen your emotional grip on the wrong people.
How to Rise Above the Silence
Here’s the wisdom piece — the part that sets you free:
1. Don’t beg for applause. It cheapens your spirit.
The right people will clap without needing to be asked.
2. Create for the world, not for your circle.
Let your work travel further than your hometown.
Dreams are bigger than county lines.
3. Put your gifts where they can grow.
If support isn’t growing where you planted it,
move your garden… not your worth.
4. Build in spite of who ignores you.
Success hits sweeter when you no longer need validation.
5. Open your doors to new hearts.
Your tribe is out there.
They’re waiting to hear your voice — not mute it.
A Word to the Ones Who Hurt Right Now
I know how much effort you put into your projects.
I know how proud you were — and you should be.
They were beautiful.
You showed up with heart and courage and creativity.
And when people stayed silent?
It wasn’t a reflection of your worth.
It was a reflection of their limitations.
Sometimes God lets the silence fall so loud that we finally hear the truth:
Your work matters.
Your voice matters.
Your story matters.
Not everyone around you is meant to walk into your next chapter.
And someone out there — maybe halfway across the world — is going to see what you made and whisper:
“Thank you… I needed that.”
Let the strangers clap.
Let the jealous stay silent.
And let yourself rise anyway.
Find the ones who clap when you win.
That’s your real tribe.**
Until next time,
Stay warm, be safe, and know I love ya.
— Hannah Cedars, The Appalachian Sage
If you enjoy stories like this, you’ll love the other life lessons & memories I’m sharing on The Appalachian Sage. …………And if you’re ever in the mood to browse something pretty, you can stop by my Etsy shop, The Appalachian Sage Shop, where I pour the same love and kindness into each design.