What is the Discipline of Self-Esteem?
Thoughts on the Discipline of Self-Esteem enhanced by Quality Children’s
Books
Ø The first step in the discipline of self-esteem is to recognize the potential within yourself
to do something absolutely wonderful for the world. (Amazing
Grace, Mary Hoffman)
Ø Then go forward in faith one step at a time, no matter what the obstacles or the consequences,
in order to reach that potential and bring that gift to the earth. (The Story of the Indian Paintbrush, Tomi De Paulo)
Ø Beyond that is the recognition that all people on the earth have brought a similar gift
of similar wonder, but that almost all have lost track of that gift through fear, intimidation, and living within the constraints
of society. We have to move beyond that to listen to the voice of truth, love,
and justice. (Song of the King, Max Lucado)
Ø Realize that there is absolutely nothing that you can do to help others find their gift
except to love then unconditionally. This entails universal respect for the dignity
of life, for the dignity of the human condition, and the desire to see all people reach their true potential. (Children of the King, Max Lucado)
Ø The only way we can make anyone change is to change ourselves. If we want others to be kinder, gentler, more understanding, then we have to change
ourselves, we have to develop the capacity within ourselves to love more genuinely, to have more faith, to be willing to experience
self-sacrifice to bring our gift to the world. (The Story of the Blue Bonnet, Tomi DePaulo).
Ø Finally is the humility that comes from realizing that the spirit of self-sacrificial
love and the willingness to give the best of all that we have to others, even at the risk of self-destruction, is the only
way to find our true selves. It is in that finding that we
come to know the discipline of self-esteem (The Story of Jumping Mouse, John Steptoe or Tales of King Arthur).
These points were first delivered
in Children’s Church Sermons at St. Clement’s in Tampa, Florida during Lent Cycle A in the mid-90’s. Lent Cycle A contains a series of Sunday readings that accompany a set of self-examinations called
the scrutinies presented to beginning catechumens because they underscore the fundamentals of character formation. Could the above hopeful picture be what Jesus meant for the world?
We can hope that it was.
When you understand these
points, then you understand the Serenity Prayer- the only thing that we can change is ourselves, to deepen our love, to deepen
our understanding, to deepen our ability to step forward in faith no matter what the cost.
The thing that we cannot change is anyone else- we can love, we can be an example- but each must find his own way-
each must find the courage within himself. And with that understanding begins
to come the wisdom to know the difference.
The discipline of self-esteem leads to a preference of certain social structures over others.
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It argues against punishment, fear, or humiliation
as strategies for education or social change, because it recognizes the dignity of all human beings.
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It argues against differences in levels of
power and status among members of society, because all have a valid contribution to make, however big or small, it is part
of the puzzle.
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It argues for working in groups where there
is no rigid line of authority, because authority tends to negate the views and contributions of people who are not in authority.
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It argues for a problem-solving approach among
people with many different points of view who are stakeholders in a particular area, because there is no way to know which
member of a group holds the answer.
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It argues for cooperation instead of competition,
because all have a valid place in society.
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But the really big difference is that it argues
for maximizing the potential of all human beings, so that we can be the beneficiaries of the great gift that they have for
us.
This is my goal, this is
my vision, and this is my mission. Will you join me?
