Now Discover Your Strengths

The five strengths that I received after the calibration of the ‘Strengths Finder’ test were: Consistency, Input, Harmony, Belief and Empathy.  After the conclusion of the test, and reviewing my answers and sharing with three other people, I feel that these top five strengths do fit my well. Reading through what each one stand for and means I could definitely see how it could very well relate into my life and be a part of who I am, my strengths.

The first strength: ‘Consistency’, I feel, fit me well. The beginning of the definition of Consistency is: “Balance is important to you”. This is very true in the essence of structure also. It spoke of ‘being in direct contrast to this world of special favors…” I also agree with this.  I feel everyone should be treated as equal, not matter where one came from, or who they are, fairness is deserved by all.

My second strength that was listed was ‘Input’. This began with speaking upon collecting things, which I questioned a bit, but as I read deeper into the definition of Input, I felt I could not agree more.  As it mentioned “yours is the mind that finds so many things interesting”. I could not agree more. How it portrayed the ‘input’ strength as one who reads to have to one’s archive, this was completely true. I personally cannot stand reading Fiction books. I cannot understand reading something without getting any true knowledge from it. When I read, I love to read about history and of the church, the church fathers, and of God. Things that will fill my mind, and make me think, and as it mentioned in the explanation: “It keeps your mind fresh.” I could not agree more.

The third strength that was listed was ‘Harmony’. Although I do agree mostly with the explanation of the strength of Harmony, I would also see this strength used differently in some areas than how it is listed. I do agree that I look for areas of agreement and that I believe there is little to be gained from conflict and friction, completely. It goes on to mention how one of this strength, amongst people with different views, tries to find the middle ground. I feel that in the secular world, being Christian, this would not completely work, being that I would never leave my foundation of Christianity to seek a middle ground with those who do not follow the faith. I would agree, though, that this would work in the church, finding the middle ground between believers. I feel this would look something like Paul mentions in II Corinthians, dealing with the ‘weaker brother’.  I may not merge completely merge my objectives to meet with those around me, and never my values, but I do agree on focusing on more ‘down to earth’ topics then arguing high in the sky concepts. Even though I do not completely line up with ‘Harmony’, I can see how it relates to me.

The fourth strength, and another that I strongly agree with is: ‘Belief’.  It is defined, if one possesses this strength, as having ‘core values that are enduring’. It was nice to see this strength come up, being that my core values, I hope, pray and struggle for them to be, are that of Jesus Christ. This is the core answer to ‘Belief’, and everything can be poured out of this. “They (core values/Jesus Christ) give life meaning and satisfaction…they provide you with direction, guiding you through the temptations and distractions…” I could not agree more with my walk with Christ, and I am honored to have this strength come up in a simple test from a ‘Strengths’ book. How great is our God.

The final strength that came up was that of ‘Empathy’. I am also in agreement with this response, for I feel I have always been very sensitive to reading people. It comes very easily, and while growing up, I have often wondered if people can read others in such a way. I have struggled with wondering if it is gossiping, speaking of how or what I felt from someone, just in their actions, their movements, their facial expressions (I believe it is a fine line over to gossiping). I agree in its saying; “you hear the unvoiced questions…and anticipate the need.” And with this strength, I feel I am able to speak and talk with people easier. I feel this is a gift and a blessing, and I truly thank God for it.

Following the discoveries of my strengths I then began to seek out those whom I could share the results with. I sought out my wife, a good friend of mine, and also one of my parents. I feel it was a smart decision in choosing those whom new me fairly well, my parent and wife most definitely, but my friend also, being that all three of whom I shared the results with could very much see the results in who I was, in my personality. I am thankful that I did not happen to have any random “Strengths” show up, ones to which I would wonder why they would even by my strengths, but sharing the ones that I have received through taking the test all three of those whom I had look over my results fully agreed that it fit me very well, to which I was ever more appreciative of this test and being able to see what possibly characterizes who I am. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. 

Bill Hybels Interviews Richard Curtis

As Bill Hybels began to interview Richard Curtis many thoughts popped into my mind. Who exactly is Richard Curtis? What type of ministry he does? And is he a Christian? As I continued to watch, many and all of my questions were answered and I surely left with a deeper appreciation for Richard Curtis.

 Shortly after the interview began, who Richard Curtis was became more and more clear to me. He was a director and has directed many motion pictures and even famous television series Mr. Bean. Richard Curtis is surely a well off man in many ways. But then Curtis began to share his heart. He was not some ‘stuck up Hollywood folk,’ but was very much a kind and generous man. He has a great heart for the homeless, hurting and needy in the 3^rd world countries, and especially has a heart for Africa.  You would not first guess this of a successful movie director, that he has given so much of himself and money, even directing movies, “The Girl and the Café,” that situate around world hunger, and the lack being done. One would think, ‘this man truly be a great Christian.’ The kicker is, he claims not the faith.

Although Richard Curtis was well aware of Christianity and its teachings, he did not claim to be a part of any religion. This was what spoke so much to Bill Hybels, as he mentioned later talking about the interview, and this also spoke much to me. A man, not claiming any religion, not claiming Christianity was devoting much of his life to the hurting, much of his life to the hungry, much of his life to the needy, and he was doing it out of the goodness and compassion of his heart, that he has for these individuals. This man, not claiming any religion, was giving so much more of his resources than so man who claim a religion.  Although he was not Christian, how much more Christ-like was he acting? A great quote that Curtis said was, “Jesus continued to live amongst the poor.” Christ was always with the poor, and I am sure Richard Curtis will always be helping out the best he can those who are less fortunate them himself.