Over the years, I have come to realize that the greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection. Success, popularity, and power can indeed present a great temptation, but their seductive quality often comes from the way they are part of the much larger temptation to self-rejection. When we have come to believe in the voices that call us worthless and unlovable, then success, popularity, and power are easily perceived as attractive solutions. The real trap, however, is self-rejection. As soon as someone accuses me or criticizes me, as soon as I am rejected, left alone, or abandoned, I find myself thinking, “Well, that proves once again that I am a nobody.” … [My dark side says,] I am no good… I deserve to be pushed aside, forgotten, rejected, and abandoned. Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the “Beloved.” Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of our existence.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
10 Comments
Faye White
This is a beautiful start to the day!
Monte Stevens
Thank you, my friend! Looks like today is going to be another such day. Hope you enjoy your day painting and baking.
Ruth Calkin
It is interesting in the many ways we realize this self-loathing. I have rejoined Weight Watchers and have found that simply eating food is not the problem or the solution. It goes beyond to our self talk and to our perspective our ourselves and if we can see ourselves more the way God sees us. When we see and feel that we are worthy and of value, we treat our bodies in a more forgiving way.
Monte Stevens
Very true, my friend! And, just maybe that God is the very core of who we are so we see through the same eyes? How often do those who separate themselves from others through skin color, sexual orientation, political views, which side of the tracks we were born on, or whatever else, is really hidden self-loathing. Hope you two are doing well!!
Geri Oster
Monte and Friends, Thank You! Monte I’ve just been sitting with this amazing gift of picture and soul. The light, the green, the glory of this shot is breathtaking. And the quote, well, if you only knew how pertinent to my present journey…it is such a gift of life and love that we all share here in this space. Thank You, Monte, for providing us this medium for Joy and growth and for all of you who share your wisdom in response. Blessings All.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Geri! Haven’t heard from you for a while and was wondering if all was okay. And, I must remind you that you are joy!
Geri Oster
Been a little under the weather, Monte. Thank you. And having some true opportunities for growth and change with my family of origin. God is so faithful to not only light our path, as is demonstrated in these beautiful sunrises…of which I never tire…but to walk the path hand-in-hand with us. Blessings all, and so much gratitude to be a small part of this lovely community of light and love.
Monte Stevens
Sorry to hear your a little under the weather. Seems opportunities come in hidden packages. It takes a little unwrapping to get to the hidden gems. So glad you share on this blog!!
Tom Dills
The words we use, whether spoken or unspoken, can sound quite harsh. But we do tend to sell ourselves short. That unfortunately can hold us back from many achievements, accomplishments and success.
What a glorious sunrise!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom. I’m learning to choose my words wisely whether that is with others or myself. Nurturing others and myself is much more a part of myself. It shows with an abundance of friends and many more accomplishments in my life.