I Am Proud

When I say I am proud, I don’t mean to sound arrogant. I am proud of many things. I’m proud to say I’m an American. (Regardless of the current shameful condition of our county.) I’m proud of those who work diligently for the good of mankind. I’m proud of the accomplishments of others, especially those of my children. I’m proud to know (and to have known) certain people in my life.

It is my hope that I shared with my children how proud I was of them during their young years. I think it is really important for a child to grow up with acknowledgement of the good and positive things they do.

God speaks a lot on this subject of pride. It’s not shameful to be proud of certain things or people. That’s not the pride that God warns us of. He knows that pride can break the character of a good person. That’s why it needs to be in check.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:19
Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.

I know a man who cannot say he is proud of anyone. Not even of his children. If he did, he would raising that person to a higher level, and this man needs to be at the top…by himself. It would be a slam to his ego. He wants people to look up to him, not in the eye. Maybe you know someone like this too. This is the type of pride that God warns of. Pride can destroy and isolate.

When we tell someone how proud we are of them we help them to see their potential. If I’m proud to know you then I am not ashamed of your character. You’ve shown the goodness of your heart.

I am proud of my children. They are good citizens. They know right from wrong. They are loving and devoted parents. They are trustworthy. Are they perfect? No. Have they done stupid stuff? Pretty sure that would be a YES! But when I run into someone in the community who knows one of my kids and has only good to say about him or her, well…I am proud.

Being proud is either a character builder (to others) or a character breaker (to oneself). That’s why we need to keep it in check. If you haven’t done a recent pride-check of yourself lately, maybe reflect on that. It’s never to late to change or improve our who we are.

One thing to remember is that nothing ever affects only us. Not even our character. There is always a trickle-down effect that reaches to those all around us. That is surely something to be mindful of.

Thanks for stopping by on this sunny Sunday. Enjoy this day as we head into a brand new week. Another new beginning. And always…always be grateful. ♥️

Andi

Photos: from my trip to Jamaica, 2016