“Self-Confidence or God-fide-nce”

By: Nancy Abiera

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 “Confidence in God gives us joy, faith, power and strength to persevere the journey to peace and blessings.” Nancy H. Abiera

I was born and raised in the Philippines, the 8th child of 9 children. I have 6 older brothers and I am a middle child between the oldest daughter and the youngest son. In short, I was in the birth order being bossed around by everybody as the youngest one was the favorite.

People describe me as a very cheerful baby. My mother told me that our neighbors took turns taking care of me as I was a baby full of joy, always giggling. I was the joy therapy for many. I was big, fat and fair skinned baby. In other words, modesty aside, I was pretty good looking and cute baby. Everybody loves Nancy because I seldom cry. Instead, I smiled making people smile and even smiled myself to sleep.

My curiosity and creative imaginations began. . . I remember vividly when I was about 8 years old, I would go up to the roof of our house to pick guavas and spent time looking up the sky dreaming about my future. We were so poor that we did not even have a TV so I created my own mega-TV: the sky in full color. I was so excited watching my life as I imagined with no boundaries, no limits, no ifs, no buts. I danced, I prayed, I imagined and took a nap, and rested while dreaming my life. I would wake up refreshed and happy.

One day, as I was going down from the roof, my father caught me and asked: “My daughter, where have you been? Before I was able to answer, my father said: “My daughter Nancy, I see a very bright future ahead of you!” In my mind, my father’s comment made me think that he saw what I imagined. I just smiled in agreement. My self-confidence continued to grow. Now I know why I am a writer of Viatimes “On A Bright Side”. lol

Unfortunately, my father died when I was only 22 years old. He taught me to have “ABILIDAD” meaning “a can do” attitude. These experiences I had with him in childhood remained imprinted in my memory. Indeed, it greatly influenced me as I developed and grew as a woman. My father’s faith, hard work and lifestyle became the blue print of my life honoring the legacy he lived and left.

Many years after, I migrated to the United States and started a family. My mother joined us and helped me greatly in raising our two (2) confident sons: Nathan & Jeffrey. It was this time, God made me realized how my mother greatly influenced me also as a woman. I saw her taking care of my children which reminded me how she took care of me the best she can when I was young.

Reflecting back, I realized how my parents, godparents and extended family members influenced me in my self-confidence as a child growing into my early adulthood. However, pressures and challenges in the United States drove me to get so stressed out and reached the end of my self-confidence. This opened the door for me to choose between “self confidence” (me only) or “Godfidence” (me and God through Jesus). This was also the time I committed my life to Jesus, sent by the Heavenly Father to rescue and save me. My life was greatly transformed. Just to name a few: Jesus turned my mess and crafted it creating His message. . . my disappointments to His-appointments; My trash to His treasures; My history became His-story; etc. All I did was pray:

“Lord Jesus, I now invite you to come into my heart and in my life as my Savior, Lord and Master. Amen”

Thus, I concluded that having “GOD – FIDE – NCE” (God’s faith confidence not just my self-confidence) is key: “GOD” is the Creator; Ruler of the universe’ Source of all authority; and the Supreme Sovereign being; “FIDE” is faith in Latin; “NCE” stands for New Creation Entity.

In other words, the title “GOD-FIDE-NCE” is Faith in God makes us New Creation Entity in Christ”.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Confidence is truly a gift from our Heavenly Father whom I call “God-fidence” which our parents can pass on to us. Yes, indeed. . .

“The greatest gift a parent can give a child is self-confidence.” Stewart Stafford

“The greatest gift God the Father can give His child is God-fidence.” Nancy Abiera

“GOD-FIDENCE”

(God + Confidence)

God-centered

Obedience

Destiny inspired

Faith-focused

Identity/Image-God

Devoted to purpose

Empowered-Holy Spirit

Noble lifestyle

Christ Jesus’

Excellence

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Jesus said: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

“In him and through faith we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

Always choose “On A Bright Side” moving further and farther “On A Brightest Side”. I love you readers with the love of the Lord yet the Lord loves you the most. You are blessed. Smile and be a blessing!