HJFinAZ: Independence, like honor, is a rocky island without a beach.
--Napoleon Bonaparte
Who hasn't taken pride in doing something that no one thought could be done? It gives us satisfaction to do something difficult, to lift our head high and say, "I did this alone." We take pride in being the best we can be.
But we can't find happiness in the pride that sets us against our fellow humans, saying, "I don't need you," or even, "I'm better than you." We do need each other. And each of us has strengths, weaknesses, and God-given talents that God expects us to use to help each other.
I will offer my help to others, and in return, I will receive the help I need.
Just to be contrary:
Out of the night that covers me,black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be for my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance,I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of fate,my head is bloodybut unbowed.
It matters not how straight the gate,how charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the master of my fate.I am the Captain of my soul.
R.L.Stevenson
