Ep 36: Humble-strength

I discovered an un-anticipated challenge for some of my clients:

One of the activities we do is to make a list of things they appreciate about themselves; I anticipated that it would be a bit challenging (because we don't usually use our minds this way), however what I didn't anticipate, is for some of them it felt selfish and boastful.

It was a conflict with their values of being humble and selfless.

Here's the problem: 

If we think that pridefulness and humility are complete opposites, then we may mistakenly think that humility involves belittling ourselves and being overly aware of our weaknesses and short-comings (...because at least we'll know we aren't being prideful, right?).

I believe that the kind of humility taught in the scriptures involves acknowledging God's creation in us. It's understanding that we are good and and strong and of value, because He created us.

This kind of humility is strong, because in it, we are glorifying Him. We didn't create ourselves; AND as children of God, we all have strengths and abilities and bits of divinity.

Understanding this is important for several reasons; here's three:

1. It blesses us with kindness and compassion for ourselves 

2. It's necessary for progression

3. It glorifies our creator!

Listen to hear more about how I think "humble-strength" relates to being as a child (it's pretty good)!