Toot Your Horn

From little on, we were taught that bragging or boasting was not something we should do. No one wants to hear how good you are at something or the praise you receive from others. Being humble was a much better disposition. People will like you more if you are humble.

As a result, we learned to downplay our giftedness. I think this is particularly prevalent among women. Somehow, along with the message to be humble and never toot our own horn, was the responsibility to toot everyone else’s horn. We feel a real sense of responsibility to encourage and affirm the giftedness of those around us, especially if our vocation is to marriage and motherhood. We spend a lot of our energy building up the self-esteem of spouses and children and tend to forget about doing the same for ourselves.

It’s time to toot our own horns for a change!

Last week I wrote about the gifts we have received and the power of the Holy Spirit to animate those gifts, like wind that powers the sails on a sailboat which in turn moves the boat. We have all received these gifts but we need to stir them up. We need to become aware of them, uncover them and allow the Holy Spirit to use them for others.

These gifts are called Charisms.

When we made our Confirmation, we had to memorize the seven sanctifying gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts like wisdom, understanding, and piety were gifts given to us to help us live a more Christ-like life.  

Charisms are a less-known set of gifts we have been given that are not meant for us. Charisms are gifts given, to be given away. They are meant for others. They are the way God’s love and goodness enters the world through us. God will bring the people and the situations that need our gifts. We just need to be available and willing.

Some examples of Charisms are; Hospitality, Service, Writing, Music, Craftsmanship, Administration, Helps, Giving, Mercy, Encouragement, Evangelism, Intercessory Prayer, Teaching, and Leadership. There are many more charisms mentioned in Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and sacred writings.

Because charisms are pure gift, they come very naturally to us. So much so, that we don’t recognize them as a gift.  Often, it takes others to point out what our gifts are. It’s easier for others to recognize our gifts. That is why it’s so important to affirm each other in our giftedness.

This Thanksgiving, spend some time affirming the giftedness of each person at the table. Let them know what you see as their gifts and how their gifts have impacted your life. And let them all do the same for you.

Then shout your thanks to God for the gift of you!

Toot toot,
Joan