Article March 23, 2020 Issue

Finding confidence in our abilities

Beverly Goldsmith

Originally published in The Christian Science Monitor’s Christian Science Perspective column January 29, 2020.

One time a friend told me that she was losing her confidence in being able to care for herself. Not so much because of things that had happened, but because several people had told her that since she was getting on in years, she couldn’t expect to do things she used to. These comments, while well intentioned, were on her mind, making her uncertain about doing a number of things.

In comforting my friend, I assured her that she was, and always would be, God’s capable, active daughter. This was based on what I’d learned in Christian Science about God as our creator. God made each of us in His spiritual image, reflecting God-given capabilities that can never diminish. This spiritual reality is a powerful basis for confidence in our ability to do what we need to do each day. My friend felt encouraged and strengthened by these ideas, which are relevant to all of us, at every stage of life.

Not every course of action is appropriate for every person or situation. But everyone does have a right to be confident that because God, Spirit, is our creator, we are imbued with the strength and buoyancy of divine Spirit—which don’t diminish or deteriorate. As we understand this, it’s possible to reject negative notions about our abilities, remain quietly confident, and experience freedom and joy at any age. We can refuse to entertain thoughts of uncertainty or be fearful that we won’t be able to do what’s needed.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Teens

The power of one spiritual idea