Self-Doubt and Decision
January 31, 2023
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
What he said is always true. On one hand, we need the humility it takes to rethink our positions and consider other people's viewpoints. On the other hand, we need the confidence to proceed with the possibility that we might be wrong.
We always be wrong if we do nothing,
If you have a viewpoint, it means you are located somewhere in space-time.
It means that, from that locations, you have the ability to see or perceive your surroundings and that you have a perspective from which to view that which is beyond you.
That is what it means, but it is somewhat meaningless unless you take into account an awareness of your location and the presuppositions associated with it.
If you are not aware of your filters, it is difficult or impossible to interpret what you see from where you are.
That being the case, you will need to make some decisions, taking into account, your biases, and points of view of others you respect.
It will require the kind of courage that Emerson suggested and the kind of humility that is necessary to grow and discern truth
Emerson also said,
“Don't waste life in doubts and fears; spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours and ages that will follow it.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
In our weakness, Go is our strength. In our helplessness, God is our help. It is good to be reminded that at the point of our extremities, God is sufficient. At the limits of our power and mobility, we can rely on God. God's grace is enough. When we are powerless, we can know, more fully, God's greater power. When chaos bellows, shalom rules. Amen.
One more from Ralph ...
"Never lose an opportunity for seeing anything that is beautiful; For beauty is God's handwriting...a wayside sacrament." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the meantime,
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6