Jeremy Taylor - Question 1

       Thinking back, I cannot recall a particular time that I was ever completely ashamed of any of these areas in my life.  Concerning birth, I was born into a wonderful family – hardworking, brilliant, interesting, talented – a family I was always proud of (on both sides).  In terms of economic position, the Lord has always chosen to bless me so immensely.  Rarely have I been worried that I or my family would go without the money we needed.  My father is paid well, my mother works long and hard to earn what she does, and I’ve never had trouble with finding a steady job (a pharmacist’s assistant, nanny, camp counselor, volleyball coach, puppy caretaker...none carry a “lowly” status for a highschooler/university student to be ashamed of).  I’ve been blessed with a “head start” of sorts, if you will.  I realize that, and I am grateful for the encouragement.

In Taylor’s writing he also mentions not to be ashamed of your parents.  This may be the one area that I have struggled with.  In my lifetime both of my parents, especially my father, have done very ugly things – things I despise, things I hate, things that are unacceptable on so many levels.  I used to be so ashamed.  My family was supposed to be “Christian”…strong in faith, always involved at church, doing the right things.  When that fell apart, I thought it had a claim on me as well.  I believed it meant that something was wrong with me too, and so I didn’t talk about it.  I hid it as much as possible and avoided it at all costs.  It was prideful.  I couldn’t humble myself and be open to others about it and be vulnerable in that way.  I didn’t possess that “indifference to how others will regard you.”

      Since then, I have learned a lot.  I have come to understand the truth about these circumstances in my life, and how they have helped me grow into a better person rather than hinder me – all by the grace and power of God.  I am now more able to “speak readily” about these things rather than be ashamed.