I am proud of (in no particular order)…
- My blog. I started it from scratch. I have consistently posted for five days a week for almost four years. I’ve connected with people that I would have never met if I didn’t have my blog. Some people even have told me that it’s impacted their life. That’s a HUGE win.
- My marriage. Marriage is hard work. My goal for my marriage is to have a marriage where people ask if we are still on our honeymoon. People often say that after the honeymoon a marriage goes down hill. I don’t want that for my marriage.
- My kids. I’m a proud dad. Even though my kids can’t, crawl, talk, wipe their own tushies, mow the lawn, or fold their own laundry I’m still proud of them.
- My side burns. They get complemented often. For a guy who is going the way of Daddy Warbucks I like that I have some piece of hair that is complement-able, and is not on my back.
Now it’s not easy for me to be proud. I struggle with it. Somehow I’ve locked it into my head that being proud = being an ugly fart face sinner. Maybe it’s also because pride is bad. I don’t know. What I do know is that it’s okay to be proud, but not prideful. What’s the difference?
I’m glad you asked.
Pride is feeling like you are better than you really are. We feel that way because we compare ourselves to others and compared to other jokers we rule. The problem with the comparison game is that there is always someone better. You might be a great person compared to Voldemort, but compared to Gandhi you suck at life. Enter insecurity. When we see that others are better than us it can lead us to view ourselves as less than what we are worth. What are we worth?
I’m glad you keep asking questions. Good one. We are worth Jesus.
The other day I was reading a verse and I saw something that I’ve never noticed before. “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:3-5.
This was revolutionary to me. This verse says that we can take pride in ourselves by testing our own actions and by not comparing ourselves to others.
So the next time I do something good I don’t need to become prideful and think that I’m the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. I just need to test my actions. Did I do this for praise of man or did I do it for God? Pride comes when we think that we are better than someone else. That’s wrong. Being proud comes when we do something to the best of our ability for the glory of God.
What’s something that you are proud of?
Rob, I’ve always been proud of my outstanding humility.
Seriously, I’m proud of my kids. My daughter works her tail off in school and is on the verve of paying for most of her college through grades and test scores. And she loves the Lord. My son at 13the is so picky about girls he won’t consider one if they don’t go to church. I say cool.
Larry, I’m inspired. Seriously. I pray almost daily that my son will have the wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right…even when it’s hard.
When I’m proud, it’s not usually because I’m the best, and it’s usually less of an occurance than when I’m beating myself over the head because I feel like I did something stupid. It’s not that I do too many stupid things, it’s just that I’m my own worst critic, but others do make good attempts at besting me (sorry, sidetrack for a different day). When I’m proud, it’s not a “comparison to others” proud, it’s more of a “comparison to myself” proud. If a person compares them self to only them self, then they are (most-likely) seeing how close to their potential they have come. Instead of thinking “Am I better than that guy?” think “Am I as good, if not better than I was?” but don’t use this to excuse yourself either.
Sean, I hear ya on being your own worst critic. I’m there with ya.
I am poud of my kids, they are amazing to me. This was a fantastic blog, it was extremely thought provoking. I do still feel superior to Voldemort! Thanks Rob!
Thanks Kelly! And yes you are.
I am proud that I am still in the ministry. My graduating class of 1974 doesn’t have many who can say that. I am proud of my 38+ years of marriage. Again… I am really proud of both my girls (36 & 32). They went to college, graduated, and have moved on to add value to lives around them. One is still single (lives in Knoxville) and one has given me my only grandson (and him I am really proud of). I am really proud of Whom I serve.
Bill, that is a great list! I’ve run into three different guys that went to school to become pastors and now not in ministry at all.
That I’m 29 & pastoring a church. Yeah I need to tone that done.
Gut check today.
Michael, your blog is one of my absolute favorites. You should definitely be proud of that.
One word “muttonchops”. Think about it if you want over-the-top compliments on your facial hair. If it worked for Elvis, it will work for you. As for what I am proud of? Hmmm. I used to be a raging pride-a-holic when I was younger. Most of that has been beaten out of me by life. However, I am proud of my daughter and our relationship, and I am proud of how I approach my job each day.
Daniel, that’s a grand idea. Although Elvis had a good head of hair. If I do muttonchops I might have to use them as my comb over.
I am so proud of my wife! She amazes me at every turn. We’ve been married 10 years and are still “honeymooning”. She makes our marriage easy and she makes me want to make her proud. Pride however, is a stumbling block for me because of my almost ridiculous competitive nature. I really have to stop myself, often, and remind myself for whose glory am I trying so hard for?
Even though he’s the homicidal wizard to end all wizards, you have to respect Voldemort for putting in the hours to be the “Most Powerful Wizard” in history. That just doesn’t happen overnight!!
Scott, that’s the thing about great villains…they are focused. I wish I had that type of focus…just poured into something other than the destruction of masses.
I am proud of kids who are spiritually strong, independent, have a strong work ethic, good marriages, and are pursuing interesting things. I am also proud that each of our children have been blessed with children of their own to balance their lives and present challenges that only children can.
Thanks Mim! We are proud of you too.
Very good blog this morning! It made me see pride in a different way.
I feel pride when I see my daughter at her desk and see how her boss’s treat her. I know she is doing a great job and is respected for it.
I feel pride when I see my son play music. He is fantastic and plays anything he gets his hands on. I will be going to Radford to have Christmas with family this weekend and will go see him play in a praise band at a new church he is going to. Can’t wait!
I feel pride when I see my youngest son playing baseball. He works hard and is really good at what he does. At one game, he was up to bat, and I heard a little boy say to his father “Dad, that’s Alex, he is going to be the next Babe Ruth!”
I feel pride when people tell me what a great marriage I have. I really do, and I know how lucky I am.
I feel pride when I bring someone new to WEC and see their face light up. It is awesome!!
Wow, just typing this made me feel so good, it brought tears to my eyes. (had to stop and get a tissue!) My cup overflows…
Gayle, that’s so encouraging to read. So many people have blessings but still find ways to go negative. You have a lot to be proud of. Thanks for sharing.
My family and that I have never watched Jersey Shore.
Matt, I’m (laughing) proud of you for that as well. Thanks for the laugh.
My church ~ for the work its doing to change lives.
For my children ~ who are all serving God in some capacity.
” I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”
Yep ~ that about covers it.
Amber, great stuff! You have great kids. I’m so glad that Casey is marrying your son!
Me TOO!!! 🙂
She knows the family ~ And she’s STILL going thru with it!!!! Now THAT’s God all over!!!
Good stuff, Rob Shep. I’ve always had a hard time with folks who aren’t able to tell people they’re “proud” of them because “pride=sin”. It’s okay to take pride in somebody or something for Godly reasons, and I appreciate you pointing out this verse because I don’t think I knew it existed.
Stephen, thank you so much for reading and for commenting. I love seeing comments from Hagg. Oh and I hate it when people withhold complements. I’ve said it before on this blog that people tend to think twice about saying something nice, but don’t hesitate to put someone down.
I’m proud of my marriage as well. We work really hard at it. I know so many couples who bring ego into their marriage and leave God out. They fight all the time. Maybe it’s just bc Kim and I are so mellow, but we hardly ever fight. We’re not perfect, but we do alright.
I’m proud of my DBCS MS Boys basketball team. We’re 4-0. Good looks.
I’m proud to be a homeowner. It’s something I wanted since I was a kid and I worked my booty off for it.
I’m proud that there was a time in my life where I was not too cool to cover DC Talk songs with Rob Shep.
~Haggerty: out
Kevin, I’m really proud of that dc Talk part of your comment. That was a lot of fun for me back then. I still think the songs that you wrote would be instant hits…even today. Quality stuff.
Not so sure about that Rob, but thanks anywho. 🙂 Those were definitely good times.
I’m proud of the desire and willingness to find truth. I see, I knock, I ask.
I’m also proud of the way my hips move when I dance. These hips don’t lie!
Moe, great line. I wish I would have thought of that and put it in this blog. Very funny.
I am proud that I finally have a TRUE relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. For the longest time I deceived myself into thinking that because I went to church I had this relationship but it wasn’t till I fully surrendered myself that I realized there was so much more to it, and I have WEC to thank for that. I was going through some rough times and showed up one Sunday and it was like Stu and I were the only two sitting there and he was talking directly to me, that day God entered my life completely and changed me forever and for that I am thankful and proud!
Brian, that’s awesome! I’ll have to send that over to Stu! Thanks for the comment.
i’m proud of my writing as well…at my blog…i found a new passion and new outlet…
i’m proud of myslef for taking first steps to my deams in recording an album..
i’m proud to my be happily married for 8 years now and feels just like yesterday! love my wife to death! more and more everyday!
i’m proud of my kids…they are nutty and crazy…but they are amazing and already show signs of doing great things in the future!
Arny, your blog was extra funny today. You put a little extra sauce on that one. Great stuff.
I can’t speak for your wife or your kids (although they are probably awesome), but your blog and your sideburns are definitely stellar. Way to go on posting 5x for 4 years! Wow!
Thanks Rob! I appreciate the positive comment! You are the man!
I am proud of my wife for dominating seminary so far.
I am proud of me for not losing my wedding ring at church last Sunday, really sounded like it rolled hundreds of feet, when it really only rolled about two.
I am proud of Mizzou basketball.
I am not proud of my work I am getting done at the current moment….oops.
Joe, very funny comment. I’ve dropped my wedding ring so many times. I once dropped it at a theme park and it started rolling towards a drain. It was a tense few moments.
I’m proud of my marriage, too. For sure not perfect but always full of fun, laughs, and genuine care for one another. I’m also proud of my job, and feeling like I’m making a positive impact on young minds.
Leah, you and Jon are always fun! Thanks for the comment!
I am Proud of my Wife. She is a stay at home mom, she is in charge of child wrangling, transportation, laundry, housekeeping, cooking, clothing,etc. She wears many hats in a typical day. She is amazing we have been married for 13 years, and I lover more today than ever before. My Awesome wife was also the person that pushed me to go to church. In January of this year she went with a friend to check out WEC. She came back a talked about it for hours (at least it felt like hours).
My first service was the WEC Easter service. It was powerful!!! After the Easter service I began regularly attending the 8:20 service. Then in the spring it happened you we preaching that Sunday and explaining about your struggles weight loss, and your new passion to be healthy for your kids. It struck home, I could relate to what you were saying. It was as if you were preaching specifically to me. I can not explain it, but you touched my heart that day and I have been a Rob Shepard fan since.
Thanks.
Jim, wow! Thank you so much for this comment. Which campus do you go to at WEC? I’d love to place a face with your name.
Rob:
We typically go to the 8:20 service at the Yorktown campus. You can’t miss me 6′ about 300 lbs with a buzz cut , glasses and a red beard. We’ll see you Sunday.
I think the problem with pride is that it points back to yourself. Your effort, your doing, your glory.
I don’t have a problem of being proud of my accomplishments as long as I realize Who gave me the abilities. That’s what I believe is humility. Believing in something bigger than yourself. Humility isn’t self-deprication, it’s recognizing something greater.
I used to suck at taking compliments. I redirected all the praise to God. But He used me, didn’t he? That’s something to be proud of. As long as I understand that ultimately it is nothing without Him.
I’m proud of you, Rob! 🙂
Tony, great insight! Thank you for that comment!
I’m proud of my marriage. After 19 years, we’re still very much in love. It takes a lot of work, but it’s so very worth it.
I’m proud of my wife. She brought my family to church after a 14 year absence. She encourages me daily in whatever I’m doing. She inspires me daily to be a better person.
I’m proud of my boys. They’re both so talented in their own areas. I look forward to their futures and all I know they can accomplish.
I’m proud of my church for staying true to its mission and reaching so many people.
I’m proud of my pastors for being willing to be open and honest with their own struggles and encouraging myself and others with ours.
Randal, great list! So glad that God brought you and your family to WEC.
My wife and kids. Sometimes too proud.
Dustin, I don’t know if you can be too proud of your family. They are yours and they are awesome.
Congrats on the consistent bloggage all these years! Oh, and for your marriage and kids too.
I’m proud of the novel I committed to writing upon graduating from college, despite the enormity of such a task. I’m proud of all the life experiences — good and gut-wrenching — that God gave me to inspire this story.
Thanks! TMZ, looking forward to your novel.
I’m definitely proud of my kids and my husband. This was a great post…I never really thought about pride like that. It always seems to be a dirty word.
Thanks Austin-Lee!
Whatever the work anyone is doing,every one proud on hisself/herself.Not only he/she but also the people who attached with them.
Why do people post private matters on FaceBook then get mad when people are in their business?