It’s easy to think we’re being humble when we’re really just being down on ourselves. Don’t hide your light!
Let’s talk about some of our struggles in embracing the talents God has given us and allowing him to work through us to inspire and bless others.
Of course, the idea of letting your light shine comes from the words of Jesus himself in Matthew 5:13-16:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
This week, I also share some feedback from Margaret, an aspiring writer who is looking for advice on how to manage her time as a mom.
Shownotes
Some of the reasons we might hold back are:
1) We don’t want to brag
It’s not bragging just to be good at something. Bragging is sticking it to other people. Don’t do that, but don’t hide your light either.
2) We don’t want to make other people feel bad
A good remedy for this is to cultivate the habit of building other people up. Notice the good things others do and pay them compliments for it. Then you will be able to humbly accept that you are good at some things too.
3) We don’t like to call attention to ourselves
It can be uncomfortable to stand out in any way, but Jesus doesn’t talk about that in his command to let our light shine. Offer it up, and know that the more you do it, the better you get at being different and accepting it.
4) We hold on to a negative experience in our past
Do not let yourself be limited by what someone in your past might have said to you about who you are and what you can do. Be open to the big plans God might have for you that reach beyond the shortsightedness of others.
5) We are afraid of criticism
This is an inevitable part of doing anything well. People are going to criticize you. Offer it up and don’t let it derail you. For help in discerning and accepting criticism, check out this previous episode of Girlfriends.
6) It’s hard work
Just because you are good at something does not mean you don’t have to work at it. Writing is a great example of this. It’s hard work! Be sure you are being balanced in the kinds of work and projects you take on, but make sure you are not staying away from greatness because of the work it will take to accomplish it.
Have feedback or an idea to share? I would love to hear from you!
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Megan Madden
Megan Madden is a homeschooling mother with a passion for writing and speaking on authentic femininity and virtuous womanhood. In 2017, she began graduate studies in marriage and family at the International Theological Institute in Austria. After moving to Kraków, Poland to work with university students, Megan more personally continued her research on the complementarity of man and woman, particularly on the question of what it means to be a woman. She delved into the study of renowned Catholic writers on women such as St. Edith Stein, Gertrude von le Fort, Alice von Hildebrand, St. John Paul II, and St. Teresa of Avila.
The results were the development of Megan’s online ministry A Mother’s Lace, as well as speaking opportunities and her book with Ascension: Mary, Teach Me to Be Your Daughter.
Megan lives outside of Oxford, England with her husband, who is a lecturer in theology, and their five children.
