“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Rom. 12: 6).
The doubts others plant in us can be suffocating. Stifling to our spirit.
Often this starts very early, with the harsh criticism of childhood endeavors, the imposition of restrictive adult standards on children too young to fulfill them. We learn to pursue perfection – ever elusive perfection – rather than develop our own art.
That applies whatever form our “art” may take: poetry, sculpture, music, carpentry, cooking, laughter. You name it. Denied tenderness, we are robbed of words, robbed of rhythm, robbed of savor, robbed of joy. Denied our natural way of relating to things.
It is as if our hands were cut off, our lips sewn together.
We stumble on, unable to say why it is that we feel so clumsy. Why our efforts feel awkward, inadequate. Others have learned to dance on their hands, paint with their feet. Surely, we can, as well.
We search for the fault in ourselves, certain it must be there. Knowing it must be there. This emptiness, this persistent feeling of failure, cannot be the fault of those who raised us. Can it?
Still, we falter and lose heart. Our doubts loom large. And all because the adults around us did not have imagination enough to recognize what we might become.
Not every child is the spitting image of his or her parent. Many children, in fact, seem mismatched with those who brought them into this world. A sportsman may sire a scholar; a lion tamer father a software engineer. This is not a failure on the part either of parent or child. It is rather a reflection of the One who gave each of us life.
It is Him we honor when the talents He bestowed on us find expression. Only He knew beforehand how our lives would intersect those of others, and our talents could best be employed.
Whatever limitations may have been placed on us as children, whatever obstacles may have been put in our way since, God can still use us for good. His capacity is infinite. Ours need not be.
We can at last lay our doubts to rest.
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: http://www.alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Great post, Anna. What responsibility comes with child rearing and the life-long effects it has on the children’s lives. Hope you are doing well!!
Thank you, Levi. Fighting a migraine this morning, but otherwise good. Am settling into this rural life. 🙂
Sorry you aren’t feeling well this morning. I pray the migraine will soon leave you. Once you are acclimated to rural life I hope you love it. I do but I like the change of the city some too. Heading to NYC Tuesday. God bless my friend!!!
Travel safely, Levi.
Thank you, Anna. Be well!!!!
thanks great article …been struggling to find my way and find my flow in expressing art….
Frequently, we are harder on ourselves than anyone else would be. Don’t let that critical “inner voice” paralyze you. Remember that you’re unique. You can’t please everyone anyhow! Paul Gauguin did not like Vincent van Gogh’s work!?
Reblogged this on Cyber Support Group and commented:
“The doubts others plant in us can be sufficating.” Anna has really brought out what many of us have struggled with or are struggling with. Thank you Anna.
Thank you for your comment, and the reblog. God bless you.
Another blog today was on doubt as well. It’s a killer. I love the phrase, “The soul would not long for something it could not achieve.”
I’ll have to remember that.
not only are doubts planted from parents but religious people crush the life and passion as well
Sad to say, that is all too frequently true.
Very positive message, Anna… Thank God, doubt need not have the last say! 🙂 ♥ ❤
Thanks! ❤