What’s In A Name?

Are you an introvert or extrovert? I don’t think it comes as any surprise for me to say I am an introvert in every sense of the word. It takes a lot out of me when I am put into circumstances where I am not comfortable. I know every time that happens all I can do is give it to God and trust that he will carry me through. I’ve never lived my life as an open book and I keep a wall up most of the time. My opinion is my opinion and yours is yours. You won’t hear me spouting off about politics or debating about religion. Without hesitation I will stand up for my personal beliefs but I won’t likely argue that someone else should believe the same or different than me.

When I started thinking about sharing my writings publicly when all I had previously done was journal privately, I ran the idea past a few trusted people. During one such conversation the name for my blog was suggested to be “humbly confident”. I was taken back at first by the suggestion and didn’t want to come across as unauthentic in any way.

Over time the name “humbly confident” eventually clicked in my mind and I determined that I could associate myself with that term and not feel arrogant for choosing it. Deep down I feel like we all struggle with humility and confidence at different times. It is important to understand why both humility and confidence are important and valuable traits.

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I think confidence is clearly apparent when you see it in someone but humility can often be confused with other expressions of emotions. The definition of humility is “having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance”. Self importance and self worth are two very different things.

You can remain humble and still have a high self worth. I believe I am a valuable contributor in this life, whether through my work, my family, with my friends or in my church. Throughout my adult life I have tried to treat others the same as I wanted to be treated, knowing that any kind of success in life or business shouldn't change a person and it certainly doesn't make one person better than anyone else.

When you search for the biblical definition of humility, the internet says “To be humble is to be face down in the dirt, submitting to the authority of another, without personal pride. This is the Christian's proper position before the Lord.” Wow, this is the type of humility I want to represent. Being an introvert as an adult who strives to find fulfilling relationships that make me a better person takes effort.

The effort can be exhausting and overwhelming at first, but it is exactly what God intends for our lives. The main thing that helps me stay humble through everything is the fact I am grounded in my faith and believe God leads me through this life. He knows the future for each of us and I can’t wait to see where he’s leading.