Ego

EGO

as defined by Oxford Languages:

noun: a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance.

PSYCHOANALYSIS

the part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity.

PHILOSOPHY

(in metaphysics) a conscious thinking subject.

These are significant concepts to consider. The struggle with satisfying my own ego and pride has become quite evident to me lately.

A few recent personal examples to illustrate my point include this self-portrait taken with the snapchat app which is why all of the letters and words appear backwards. However, this is actually the least filtered image I may have ever displayed on my blog or other forms of social media. The reason for so many filtered selfies over the years is ego. Not wanting you to see the bags under my eyes or other perceived flaws which cause feelings of self-conscious insecurity. Working toward setting ego aside and letting go of my need for your approval and praise. Far better for my deepest inner PEACE and most profound brightest JOY is accepting my reality and knowledge of my true value which comes from scriptures such as:

Luke chapter 12 verse 7 God knows all the hairs on my head...

Psalm chapter 56 verse 8 God captures every tear I cry...

Jeremiah chapter 1 verse 5 God knew me before I was formed in my mother's womb...

Speaking of Jeremiah, today's video linked above is chapter 29 which contains the famous verse Jeremiah 29:11 often taken out of context in order to be misused to promote prosperity gospel.

A second recent example of my ego getting in the way of true joy and peace was a conversation with my husband a couple nights ago while discussing possible affordable retirement options preparing for our Jeremiah 29:11-13 future.

I desire to retire so badly some days I can almost taste it...as if someone is waving a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie under my nose.

But that is not the point. Feelings aren't facts. The facts are that I am not eligible yet.

I am longingly looking forward to the day [God-Willing] I will be eligible to retire if Christ doesn't return or take me home before that day.

The point is that when my husband commented on how solid my retirement plan actually is--- my defensive quick-triggered response was "I earned it!" More facts -- Truth is I have worked hard for many years at the same career, paying into this pension to prepare for my "golden years."

However, this morning on my drive to work taking personal inventory I reflected back on that conversation recognizing it was my ego talking. Mindset shift to prioritizing peace being grateful for all the gifts and talents God has provided allowing me to do precisely what I have been called to do according to His purpose [Romans 8:28] for His glory.

Do you ever catch your ego doing the talking for you?

Does your pride get in the way of peaceful loving relationships with other people?

Do you experience a deeper peace when you set your egotistical agenda aside and surrender to God's better plan for your life?

How can I pray for you or serve you best today?

What topics would be most helpful for you to learn about for your journey?

Honestly, I am not holding my breath expecting any answers to any of these questions. Because my ego has been put in check and I am peacefully sitting in acceptance, breathing deeply in sincere appreciation for the miraculous moment happening in the power of NOW.