Is it difficult for you to see that you have any strengths? When you've been surrounded by people who blame, criticize, and judge you, it's easy to become foggy about our own gifts. We assume that they must be right about our endless negative characteristics and feel defeated. But what if there was another way?
You DO have unique strengths given to you by God, but I can't convince you of that just by saying it. You need evidence. We all do. In Christian circles, we call it "fruit". The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. In other words, our character is the evidence of who we are. The actions we take are reflections of our character and can either bless this world or detract from it.
But that raises the next question - How can you know your character strengths when you feel like nothing you've ever done or been is enough? I recently learned of the VIA Character Strengths Study that offers a free 10 minute assessment of your greatest character strengths. You may learn that your gift is spirituality, honesty, leadership. You may be blessed with a heart of gratitude, or teamwork. The list is comprehensive. There's something amazingly affirming about seeing your strengths in black and white.
You deserve to see the beauty in yourself that God sees in you. If assessments aren't your thing, ask some people you love and trust. What strengths do they see in you? What do they admire about you? Listen with an open heart, even if you aren't ready to believe those things quite yet.
I invite you to list out the challenges in your life right now and cross reference your list of strengths. How can you use those strengths to overcome those challenges? How can you invite God into this knowing that He chose those specific strengths for you?
Praying for you, friend!
Kate
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