Why do We Struggle with low Self-Esteem.

This hub was inspired by someone very close to my heart. I was having a conversation with a very smart young lady and she was saying she would be happy when things got in order for her; because she didn't want to be seen as "unaccomplished" as other people she knew.

This wasn't my first time hearing this, or something I wasn't aware of as to how people felt. I have been surrounded my whole life by people who felt they were better than others based on material possessions. Although this was not new my eyes were opened to how this way of thinking has taken on a domino effect- damaging generations after generation after generation.

I tried to explain to this sweetheart that true self-value has no price tag on it and if a person can put a price tag on themselves, they don't really value themselves at all. Measuring yourself against material things that depreciate in value is not a feeling of high self-esteem, but a feeling of low self-worth. I realized I wasn't getting through to this young adult so I told her " This type of wisdom, you'll understand when you get older. " However, it planted a seed for this article.

This type of wisdom did not come out of thin air. Trust me I am not unscathed by the lust for material things for I was once a product of this wrong way of thinking.

Those who follow me faithfully, know that I always share a little bit of my experience's with my readers. Why do I do this? It's to show my readers that I am equipped to write my articles from personal knowledge and experience.

There was a time in my life when I lost everything. My job, my place to live and I was very depressed. The only thing I had left was my faith it was the only thing that held what little hope I had together.

I would go to this one particular park all the time, reading my bible and meditating. One day I was sitting under a huge shady tree and I said out loud: "Lord, the only positive thing out of all I've been going through is that I have drawn closer to you. Even though I lost everything...." and I couldn't continue because the words that came to my heart were so strong they interrupted my conversation.

And the words were.... "If you valued yourself by your job and all your material possessions, then you must not have thought highly of yourself; because you have seen all those things can be taken away from you." Those words not only changed my life, but they changed the way I valued myself and others.

In the book of Luke, the bible speaks of those who try to serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other. Or, despise one and be devoted to the other. I have noticed people who will go to church every Sunday, quote every scripture in the bible when it suits their needs, but will give nothing or very little to the church. And I have heard all the excuses:

• I don't have it
• I can't afford it
• I'm not helping the pastor get rich
• some don't bother with excuses at all

I've also noticed those same people will:

• buy $500.00 bags
• spend lots of money on gadgets
• being wasteful with food when people are starving
• spending money on clothes and not wearing them

I'm not judging, I am also guilty of these same things. What I'm trying to say is- it's more important for some of us to spend money on things that will depreciate in value because it's what we want, than dong something good that will further and help the church spread the gospel.

Our worldly way of thinking teaches us that we can't do anything, buy anything or be seen as anything unless we have money. We are a people who worship money. In my life, I have seen rich people become poor and poor people become rich, due to wisdom or, a lack of it.

I have been up and I have been down, only to rise up again. However, if you ask me my worth I wouldn't mention my money or the car I drive, I would tell you of the type of person I am: I love God and family. All people are equal in my eyes regardless of race, finances, or educational background. My passion is to give to charities, help out in my church, motivate people, and share my love for the Lord. The most valuable thing about me is my heart and that can never be measured by dollars and cents.

It's hard for women, in particular, to hold on to their self-worth in a world full of botox, liposuction, and doing anything and everything to look perfect. Feeling wonderful about yourself is your responsibility give yourself pep talks, motivational speeches and highlight your strengths.

We are all wonderfully and fearfully made by the hands of a perfect Creator. God loves us so much and we are perfect in His sight. God has every hair on our heads numbered. We must learn to value ourselves based on how God sees us and not man.