157. Confidence & Humility

I really liked the response Moses' Confidence and the quote from Eric Kingston. These responses were truly inspiring. They show that we need confidence in order to thrive, and God willing we can gain and be given confidence. Humility therefore does not involve a lack of confidence, but a fostering of it. For it is important to note, that we need confidence in order to accomplish many a great and noble task. In reading these responses I learned from you that humility is not the denial of one's confidence, but the realization of something greater than yourself.

Yes to be able to bring up an opposing view- it should be natural but for so many it is like being tested. Moses felt loved and loved G-d. Dare I say that Love does not take confidence-however there are two kinds of voices within us struggling-one is evil inclination which is when you decide to say hurtful and selfish things-The other is good inclination which to me is a learning device-you only say things which bring peace and joy and is calming....the struggle is the will but is one humble enough to continue or....when I go to sleep tonight will I forget everything I have learned? It IS a test.

He was confident and mostly humble but because he struck the rock stubbornly and God was not pleased at his arrogant response - it is not good to be stubborn when G-d knows better than we do. Man can be adamant they know best rather than submitting to the will of G-d. Even after 40 long years he was not permitted to enter the land as a result. A lesson for us all - if G-d needs to show us something new and we must be open and humbly submissive to understand what it is He wants us to do. Not be stuck in our ways and think we know what must be done - let's not strike the rock and hope there will be no consequences, G-d forbid.Be open get understanding He may have something new for us today. He can even make a donkey speak when we dont listen.

We must reach that perfect balance. Thanks for uplifting us and pouring wisdom over. We must drink from this fountain. Peace, peace and peace for all.

This remind me of one of the Alter Rebbe's teachings;
Sh'ma Yisrael - a Jew senses that
Havayeh Elokeinu - our strength and life is beyond nature, and
Havayeh Echad - G-d is One.

I have been planning to go to Israel for Kosher conversion. Yet, because of my neurosis, I have not been able to work for 2 years and can not save money to go to Israel. I have been very depressed. You remind me that depression or giving up a hope is idolatry. I was losing the confidence on myself. But "our life-force is transcedent, above nature"(Hayom Yom). Just like Rabbi Moshe Bryski taught us in his lecture "The Power of Hope", I should "Hope to G-d, Chazak, strengthen in your heart, Hope to G-d"(Tehillin). I should never lose the confidence in G-d. I should never lose the trust in His Kindness.
Thank you, as always.

Thank you Rebbe, And if I remember the story accurately at the burning bush, Moshe was sooo humble that he lacked confidence in himself to lead the Israelites that he didn't even want to take on the responsibility, He actually lacked the confidence until God showed him that He was God by performing a few miracles... And Moses finally gave into God and accepted all that He said He (God) would do in helping Moses in taking charge to lead the Israelites... So it just goes to show us that with God's help we who walk in humility and lack self confidence can attain confidence in G-d by hearing and listening to G-d through Torah, and can be confident He will do for us as He has promised.

Magnificent!!! I always find The Rebbe's word's of comfort and find them to say exactly what I need to hear at the exact time I need to hear it.

“There are stars who's light only reaches the earth long after they have fallen appart. There are people who's remembrance gives light in this world, long after they have passed away. This light shines in our darkest nights on the road we must follow.” The Talmud