The celosia, which loves the sun, brightens my patio and home.
I frequently look for quotes to accompany my photographs. Tonight, while searching for quotes about flowers, I was stopped by the power in St. Therese of Lisieux’s words, which caused me to consider my own words and actions.
How often do we deny our God-given talents and gifts under the guise of humility? Why do we diminish or belittle ourselves? Is it because we hope that someone else will compliment us, build us up, and tell us that we are worthwhile?
When we do this, are we saying that God has not blessed us with skills and talents? Or worse, are we saying that we do not accept His gifts and that we do not wish to develop our talents? Or could it be that we simply feel that we are not good enough?
I think that I could learn a lesson from a little flower…and from all of God’s nature. Read St. Therese’s words. What do you think?
“If a little flower could speak, it seems to me that it would tell us quite simply all that God has done for it, without hiding any of its gifts. It would not, under the pretext of humility, say that it was not pretty, or that it had not a sweet scent, that the sun had withered its petals,or the storm bruised its stem, if it knew that such were not the case.”
― St. Thérèse de Lisieux, Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux
Ramblings 
Reblogged this on Totally Inspired Mind-Where Positive Minds Congregate and commented:
Thank you for this post. My confirmation name was taken after St. Therese of Liseiux. I have her autobiography “A Story of a Soul” but didn’t remember that passage.
Thanks for sharing.
Paulette Le Pore Motzko
My confirmation name is also Therese; I chose it after reading her autobiography. Fascinating.
Yes Mona (that is my mother Ramona’s nick name) BTW,
In my library collection somewhere I have a book of poetry that St. Therese wrote. She was quite the prolific and creative young nun. From what I understand, she was commissioned by the head nun to write her autobiography. Since creating the 4 web sites on Word Press I have met some of the most amazing and talented people by searching the Reader for specific content.
I am delighted to know you.
Paulette Le Pore Motzko
Paulette, you state that your mother’s name is Ramona and her nickname is Mona. Incredible. My name is actually Ramona. My childhood nickname is Mona and many in my family still call me that. When I started this blog, I wanted to be anonymous; therefore, I went with Mona rather than Ramona.
It is a small world isn’t it Mona. I hope you have a great day today.
Paulette Motzko
Reblogged this on scrapydo and commented:
This is very true!
I had to reblog this. Hope you don’t mind. This is so well said. Thank you so much
Thank you. I do not mind at all; in fact, I’m honored.
When our life experiences allow something to come between our natural ability and how we express our artistry, or it dims our willingness to embrace our innate value, there is a certain tragedy that all of nature must mourn. Love the quote. Beautifully referenced.
Wise words.
Thank you, Mona for the beautiful post!
Thanks Amy
I love your header picture.
Thank you very much, Salam.