"To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us." - Tim Keller To be Neither known nor loved; Loved (or admired) but not known; Known and yet not loved; or Known and loved. Which are you? me? I know which one, or ones, I was -- or thought I was – until pretty recently. When we … [Read more...]
“The Fat Kid” In All Of Us: Self-Esteem and Identity, Part 1
I have these regrettable memories of a tubby, ostracized classmate of mine from 2nd or 3rd grade. Charles was a fairly good-natured boy who, unlike the other kids, was heavy, clumsy and wore tacky cowboy boots every day. But like every other kid, Charles just wanted, no - needed, friends to play with. Instead, we were cruel to "the fat kid." We'd run away from him when he came near. We'd kick him from behind, unprovoked. And on the rare days we were generous enough to let him join in our play, we'd give him the unwanted role - always "it," the chaser. I don’t recall us ever allowing him the … [Read more...]