@bennredd: There is nothing wrong with appreciating encouragement. But when you need other people’s approval to feel worthy, their criticism begins to carry the same authority as their praise. You can’t keep handing people the power to define you and expect to feel secure in who you are. Self-validation begins with recognizing your own growth, honoring your values, and trusting what you know about yourself—even when nobody applauds it. You know what you’ve overcome. You know the choices you’re making differently. Give yourself permission to acknowledge that. Being confident in who you are doesn’t mean believing you’re always right. You can listen, reflect, and take responsibility without turning every criticism into a verdict on your worth. Some feedback will help you grow. Some opinions simply won’t fit. Confidence gives you room to consider both without abandoning yourself. And when your identity is rooted in who God says you are, you have something steadier to stand on than public opinion. People can appreciate you, misunderstand you, or change their minds about you. You don’t have to rebuild your identity every time they do. Let praise encourage you. Let useful criticism teach you. But let neither determine your worth.

Benn Redd

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Wednesday 07 October 2026 22:17:38 GMT