I often find myself explaining to my students that self-deprecation is not humility. Insulting yourself or pointing out all your flaws in private or in public is not a trait of healthy spirituality. Yes, it is important to be able to laugh at your own awkward moments, but sarcastic, caustic or hurtful comments about yourself are not good for your spirit. Humility isn't self hatred. Humility is knowing that there is a God and that you are not Him.

Please be as gentle with your own feelings and self-esteem as you are with those you love. Be proud of your gifts and talents, be excited to see how the Lord will use you as an instrument, and don't be afraid of giving private compliments to the person in the mirror. The adversary will give you plenty of negative messages. Don't help him.

I hope you'll think the way my young son does. He once told me, "Dad, I like being me. I'm awesome." I responded, "Yes you are."