It's difficult to be in the public eye. I've always been the type of person who would rather be invisible, working behind the scenes, but God had other plans.
As a pastor's wife, I must frequently organize programs, sing, speak and a host of other public things. At one point I worked as a news editor for a small town weekly paper and had to be "out there" and accessible. And now as a writer, I am once again "visible."
One of the things I've struggled with over the years is how to accept accolades and compliments that come to the "visible" people.
Some suggest a self-effacing approach - "Give the glory to God." The trouble with this is it may drive the pride under the surface until we become proud of how we always give the glory to Jesus.
One Christian psychologist suggested merely smiling and replying, "Thank you," when complimented. The trouble there is it's too easy to become proud of our accomplishments and begin to feel like we've done it.
The best way I've found to deal with this was shared by Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Holocaust survivor who later became an author. She suggested treating each compliment like a beautiful, fragrant rose. As it's handed to you, you may sniff it's fragrance and admire its beauty. Then she suggested handing the rose to the Lord, thanking Him for allowing you to share in it's beauty.
Thanks. Lord for roses along the way!
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