Badges of Honor

I have mentioned that I am studying the Virtuous Woman

with two young ladies in our church.

I am thankful for the rebuke that she is to me.

I need her reminder.
She is diligent, she cares for others, she cares for herself.
She has developed useful skills.

Why do I need her reminder?

Because I, like so many others, like to show off my badges of honor.

I like to find one thing that I do well and emphasize that.

I want to downplay or totally ignore my faults and weaknesses.

I know it to be a natural reaction - 

As I teach, students often have to be coaxed to admit areas of weaknesses.

We need the serious examples.

I love the verse that says, "She strengtheneth her loins."

I am fairly consistent in my exercise regimen.

It can become my badge of honor.

I "rise while it is yet night"-

can I show off that badge too?

But really,

what do I have to boast in?

I struggle with "words of kindness."

I battle "idleness" and feel that I lose so often.

Can you identify your "badge of honor?"

Church attendance?
A certain dress standard?
A Bible version?
A denomination?
Busyness at church?

Something else?

Why not put it in the drawer

and focus on earning or shining some other badges?