“another” and, in an introspective turn, closely studied the idea of a strong and healthy relationship with the “self”. 'Self-esteem' is a term that is often bandied about but is seldom understood. In an act of solidarity with the other speakers, Coco invited us to pray that the words of all the speakers would be effective and reach those who heard them. After opening with Psalms 19:14 as a
benediction over her own words and the entire event, Song of Solomon 4:7 followed: “You are altogether beautiful, my love: there is no flaw in you.”
I felt this was the perfect start for this particular discussion, opening up the exploration of self-worth that was to follow. Coco carefully considered the various reasons that motivate us to spend time on IMVU, amongst which is rest and respite from reality. It was important to hear someone recognise and identify the stress and difficulties that many of face in our off-line lives. She then hit on a critical paradox that many women face: there is the expectation that we be pillars of strength and support the lives at others. Yet, there are times when we undergo our own crisis and endure in solitude. When others fail us or are unavailable to assist we often feel pressured to use our own resources and solely draw on our inner strength. Fortunately, help is still available as Coco illustrated by citing Corinthians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”) Reaching out – be it to God, to friends, to sisters or to trained professionals – was central to Coco’s speech resulting in a personable and intelligent talk balanced with pertinent scripture, research, cultural proverbs and vivid personal analogies.
draw on our inner strength. Fortunately, help is still available as Coco illustrated by citing Corinthians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”) Reaching out – be it to God, to friends, to sisters or to trained professionals – was central to Coco’s speech resulting in a personable and intelligent talk balanced with pertinent scripture, research, cultural proverbs and vivid personal analogies.
The critical link between the twin states of low self-esteem and depression was identified including the way in which they act as a negative circuit, both generating and reinforcing one another. What then followed was a thoughtful analysis of some of the devastating consequences that come from prolonged low self-esteem: namely, self-doubt, self-criticism, fear, inertia and even paralysis when it comes to changing counterproductive circumstances or moving away from those who inspire or uphold the condition. Both descriptive and prescriptive, Coco offered clear examples and concrete advice on how to begin to change one’s thought patterns and move from self-doubt, to self-confidence wisely noting that: “Self-doubt is essentially the fear of being wrong.” Self-control, not only in in one’s thoughts and actions but also in one’s emotions was a critical focus in this part of the conference. 2 Timothy 1:7 (“For God gave us a spirit, not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”) was one of many key scriptures that that were central to the theme of positive uplift.
the idea of a strong and healthy relationship with the “self”. 'Self-esteem' is a term that is often bandied about but is seldom understood. In an act of solidarity with the other speakers, Coco invited us to pray that the words of all the speakers would be effective and reach those who heard them. After opening with Psalms 19:14 as a
benediction over her own words and the entire event, Song of Solomon 4:7 followed: “You are altogether beautiful, my love: there is no flaw in you.”
(best known as the founder of the Wedding Network) headlined the conference, opening with a prayer of her own then following it with an articulate and succinct delivery that examined a woman’s role in a committed Christian partnership. We carefully pored over Proverbs 31 Verses 10 through 31. This proved to be a pertinent speech for so many of us who seek partners on IMVU or off-line. Lyburtii presented the biblical ideal of an affectionate and companionate partnership based on mutual respect, trust and a complementary equality. Indeed, the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ was a force to be reckoned with.