You have to let them see

We all have things inside of us that we want others to value. Whether it's the ability to lead or a heart to care for others or something else, we all have something to give, and we all have a need to have it validated. The thing is the thing that we need to have validated most can be the thing that we are most protective of and hide. Or we think it should be obvious to others. Or we think they should just take our word that we're good at it. Here's the thing, if they need what we have to offer we must presume that there is a problem that needs to be solved. The bigger the problem the greater the need.

Let's look at this as a sickness that needs a cure. If you are sick you go to someone you trust to have a solution. The severity of the illness directly corresponds with credentials you'll require for you to trust them. Let's say it's just a headache. You already know what you need so the credentials required aren't great, so you just call out "Hey, I have a headache! Does anyone have anything?" Someone walks up to you and hands you some pills. Aren't you still going to ask to see the bottle? What I'm saying is that if what you have to offer isn't being used and valued in the way that you hoped there are a few things you need to consider. Are you guarding it too closely? Have you let others know you have a possible cure? Have you shown it to them? Have you allowed them to sample it on their terms? You're looking at it as a service, they are looking at it as the health of something they care about.

Fear and strength

I was thinking today about spiders. When hubby is away and I find a spider I kill it. I certainly don't enjoy it, but I suck up my fear and do it. I don't (usually) hem and haw and squirm like I do when hubby is around to take care of it for me. Why is that? It got me thinking...are we only as strong as we need to be. Why am I braver when hubby is away then when he's here? The only reason I can think of is that I don't HAVE to be so brave when I have hubby to hide behind.

Now when it comes to something like speaking in front of a group I'm braver when I'm doing it as an example for someone else. If I'm supposed to speak regarding something that will benefit me, my business for example, I'm terrified! But if I'm speaking to show someone I'm trying to help out how easy it is then I have very little trouble with it. I'm braver for someone else than I am for myself.

Why is that? Is that part of God's design for us? Is this His way of showing us the we are better when we are doing for others? Or is this just one of the things that no one else notices and is unique to me? Are you more brave for others? Are you only as brave as you have to be?