The initial foray of the people of Israel fleeing slavery in Egypt trying to enter the Promised Land was a bridge too far. When they saw the inhabitants of the region they said, We felt like mere grasshoppers. Because they had such low self-esteem they could not imagine being able to occupy the land of the promise. Research has proven how important one’s self-image can be. Treat a child as gifted and they respond accordingly. Have low expectations of a child and they do not achieve. The Canaanite woman who was characterized as a “dog” by Jesus was able to overcome the attempt to diminish her because she was focused not on herself on her daughter. Not self-improvement but helping others boosts one’s self-image.
