[Littlefish]

I know i m fine in God's eyes.......but cuz of abuse background, it is so hard to feel comfortable about myself, and it is destroying myself all my life. I need some ways to encourage myself and warm myself to gain those self esteem, it is so v much important for me.

I m slowly getting healing from my past, so i realize now of the self esteem/respect issue, too.

[(JD)]

This is good to hear about your healing. Yes, it can seem so slow at times, but slower now is often faster in the long run.

Since God loves you no matter what, and understands you better than you do yourself, I would hope you could TRUST HIM that He is right in doing this. (Think you are wonderful human being creation )

I hope you can begin to gain a new perspective about yourself. We are not what we've have been through, nor what we know, nor what we expect ourselves to be. What we are is human...actually spiritual beings having a human experience. (I'm sure you're heard that.)

Sometimes the experience is very tough and dark. Did you live through it? Did you do the best you could? Did you learn about life, people? Then you are on your way to be an even better human, imo.

Think about how many ppl it would take for you to help, to make anything worthwhile (that you have been through.) Sometimes we can look at another person and see that they helped ONE person after they had a terrible experience...and we think they are wonderful! I hope you can afford the same gratitude for yourself.

Do you think any worse of prisoners of war, because of what the enemy did to them? I think not. Do you think any less of others who have experienced a tragedy? I think not. You are worth just as much consideration. Good wishes on your healing jouney

[FaithisAlive]

I read a wonderful book that helped strengthen me in this area.. called "Beauty For Ashes" by Joyce Meyer...

Praying... Faith

[Rhapsody]

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FaithisAlive said:
I read a wonderful book that helped strengthen me in this area.. called "Beauty For Ashes" by Joyce Meyer...

Praying... Faith

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YES.... Joyce Meyer is a wonderful Christian writer and I love to watch her on TV.


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[arod13]

i struggle with the same thing sometimes patience is the key it takes time to heal and remember that God loves us no matter how we feel on the outside i know its difficult i struggle with it too but to feel his love is the most amazing thing i always try to put myself in the presense of people who i feel the holy spirit coming out of it works and rubs off on you and the key is to keep them as your close friends so you can basically refill when you are low

[(JD)]

I agree that there is an energy coming from strong ppl, often balanced Christians. It's important not to only draw down energy from them (us) but to share something good of yourself to give back to them this energy.

God knows what human life is all about. He created the design. He continues to be involved in the process. Life is not a destination... it is the journey. When we become so wrapped up in the goings and comings, the ups and downs, we are perhaps too close to the process? Taking the higher perspective is always a good thing, to realize how insignificant things in life can be...yet how marvelous we are ourselves!

[Rapunzel]

Littlefish,

That is important. Maybe you can build on knowing your worth in God's eyes, and remind yourself that if He knows you are fine, and that you know that He know that, then there must be merit in it. What happened to you doesn't change your worth, although it can make it a struggle to develop self-esteem.

You're actually a step ahead of where I am sometimes on that. While I know that God cares for all, and wouldn't discriminate against someone or leave someone out, it's hard for me to accept that I really am included in that. I'll check back with this thread and see if I can learn from it too.

Rap

[Rapunzel]

To anyone reading this thread, I am going to speak here more as Rapunzel the person than as Rapunzel the moderator, ok? I want to share something that I am learning. In fact, I have learned it in large part from my therapist who does not happen to be Christian, although I am Christian. Spirituality is linked to mental health, just as biology and social/environmental factors are linked to mental health. It is okay to talk about one's spiritual needs in connection with mental health, and it is not necessary that we only talk about spirituality with people who believe the same way that we do. We can talk about our spiritual needs without pushing our beliefs on others, and we can learn from people who have a different understanding of spirituality than we do.

Littlefish asked for support with an issue that affects her self-esteem. She deserves to be supported by anyone who would like to offer her any help with her request. Nobody is obligated to read any thread that they don't care to read or are not interested in.

TC,
Rap

[(JD)]

Thanks for the continuing update rap

I keep thinking about this... the term I was seeking but didn't recall the other day is "Unconditional personal regard." That's what God has for each one of us. He doesn't hate anyone, but loves each of us the same, imo. (He might not like what we do at times though )

[arod13]

littlefish God already loves you you have to start to love yourself you should start doing nice things for yourself every once in awhile that make you feel good or go spend some time in a church or temple where ever you would go to spend some alone time with God and ask him to give you the strength needed to be able to love yourself and feel better about yourself

its not easy i know i struggle with it to