LDS Books: Gifts of Self-Esteem

It is a profound and simple truth: the way we feel about ourselves and the happiness we find in this life is largely determined by our possession of spiritual gifts, especially the three most important—faith, hope, and charity.

The prophets Moroni, Paul, and Joseph Smith all received revelations concerning spiritual gifts, and clearly taught that self-esteem is not something we achieve; instead, it is a gift that we receive as we grow spiritually.

Drawing on insights from modern prophets and apostles as well as from the standard works, Gifts of Self-Esteem reminds us that the purpose of spiritual gifts is to enlighten and to edify. They are given so we can have peace in this life and feel secure even when we experience disappointment, discouragement, despair, depression, doubt, jealousy, or fear.

Rediscover your inner potential as you recognize and develop faith, hope, charity, and myriad other unique spiritual gifts in your life—a lifelong process that will increase your capacity to not only love your neighbor but to genuinely love yourself.

Reviews -

A deeply reverent and spiritual testimony - Dr. Mary Jane Woodger (associate professor of Church history and doctrine, Brigham Young University) presents Gifts of Self-Esteem: Obtaining Spiritual Gifts and Strengthening Self-Perception, a guide to finding happiness through one's own spiritual gifts, especially the trinity of faith, hope, and love. Drawing upon the examples of prophets Moroni, Paul, and Joseph Smith, all of whom received revelations and taught that self-esteem comes from spiritual growth, Gifts of Self-Esteem is a deeply reverent and spiritual testimony. Though written from the perspective of a devout Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) author, Gifts of Self-Esteem offers wisdom that transcends all branches of the Christian faith.

—Midwest Book Review, Oregon, WI

"Gifts of Self-Esteem" by Mary Jane Woodger carries a subtitle: "Obtaining Spiritual Gifts and Strengthening Self-Perception." That, in a nutshell, describes the whole book, but it's not just a useful volume for someone who struggles with a negative view of themselves. There are many different angles to this book and it would be a wonderful gift for anyone who is seeking to draw closer to the Lord in any aspect of their lives.We begin with a chapter called "Combatting the Ds." The "Ds" are: Depression, Despair, Despondency, being Dismissed, Discouragement, Doubt, being Discounted, and feeling Dead. These are all emotions/feelings we have when trying situations arise in our lives. As the book progresses, we learn many spiritual truths - that staying close to the Lord can give us the strength we need to overcome these Ds, and that He is never the author of discouragement. He wants us to succeed and has given us the tools we need to do it, if we'll listen to His words.

One of my favorite chapters is "Being as Abraham." Abraham, as we know, was promised that he would have many descendants, but as he became an old man and still had not had any children, it seemed that this promise would not be fulfilled. And yet it was - he and his wife Sarah had a baby boy in their old age, and named him Isaac. However, Abraham was later asked to sacrifice his only son. During this time, Abraham didn't turn his back on God - he believed there was a reason for the commandment and that the Lord would bless him, even to helping him raise his son from the dead. We are reminded that all of us go through what might be called Abrahamic trials, when it seems we're being asked to give everything we have. We may feel picked on, or that the Lord doesn't love us, or that life just isn't fair. But the Lord feels after our heartstrings to see where our loyalties truly lie, and He will bless us more abundantly than we ever thought possible.

Additional chapters in the book discuss charity, having hope, and discovering our individual gifts. Every chapter is filled with quotes from General Authorities and other noted experts - a lot of research went in to finding these supporting statements. I came away from this read feeling a renewed sense of my own worth as a daughter of God and a determination to keep moving ahead, even when the road seems hard. It will all be worth it in the end.