Pride

Pride can reveal its ugly head in many ways.

We sometimes associate it with “high self-esteem.” Yet it seems to me the precursor to pride resides in our anxiety, fear, and insecurity. Therefore, those with “low self-esteem” seem to be suffering from the same ill.

Pride attaches itself to accomplishments both emotionally and tangibly. Consequently, trying to keep up with “being nice,” “being better,” “having more,” or “knowing more” can be exhausting. For these desires seem to be symptoms of a fear of not “being” enough and an insecurity deep within. The result of this “ill from within” comes to the surface in our desire to compete. For many of us, we spend our lives in the vortex of compering and competing…over and over again…about anything and anyone.

“ardor to outshine/ Burned in my bosom with a kind of rage”

-Dante

We just returned to Switzerland from being home in the states for the first time since moving six months ago. We had a great time visiting friends and family that we have missed dearly.

In the months leading up to the trip I realized just how much I compare and compete.

How easy it is to compare cultures, foods, people, etc… there is something natural and helpful about doing this. Yet what struck me is just how natural it was for me to then compete. Compete from my place of “ill from within.”

So when I got home and I was asked “how is it?” My answer was “it is.”

There is good food here and there. There is beauty here and there. There are good people here and there. There are people in
pain here and there and in need of grace.

There are similarities. There are differences.

That is the United States of America.

This is Switzerland.

I am grateful to experience both.

It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.

-St. Augustine