Finding self-esteem in many places

I would like to talk to you about self-esteem. 

Self-esteem is defined as pride and confidence in yourself and abilities. In First John 4:4 it is written, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Since I started high school, my self-esteem was low; high school was a new experience for me and I wondered if I could make it. But I did not give up and now I have good grades, new friends and helpful teachers.

Sometimes your friends can give you a hard time about things, but being faithful and having a great relationship with family, friends and God is always the way to go.

I wanted to play basketball for my school this year, but I discovered the basketball schedule was not a good fit for me, so I signed up for the bowling team. I feared that I was not good enough for the team, but I had two great coaches who helped me improve my skills and, eventually, I became a better bowler. When I received my own bowling ball, my average score increased over 100 points to over 214 for the first time.

Whenever I play video games, my self-esteem also improves. It is something I really enjoy doing on a regular basis, but I don’t let it interfere with my school work. When I’m playing, I feel confident as if I am driving a car even though I’m only 14 and don’t have a license .... yet! But my skills in this area help me build even more self-esteem in other areas.

Another reason I have good self-esteem is that my parents, friends and God are all with me. In Joshua 1:9 it is written, “have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse tells me that wherever I go or whatever I do, God is always there for me in every situation, I can go into any situation with strength and courage because I am never alone.

Finally, in Luke 12:7 it is written, “Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows.” This verse actually tells us that we are all important to God in the smallest details. So, when other things make us feel low, get back up and keep walking because you are a child of a merciful God.

Jared Wilson Mereday, 14, is a ninth-grader at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School.