What is self-image? Who started talking about one? I rather fancy it was Madison Avenue.

I have a point of view. You have a point of view. God has view.

I am encouraged as I look at some of those who have listened to their "different drum": Einstein was hopeless at school math and commented wryly on his inadequacy in human relations. Winston Churchill was an abysmal failure in his early school years. Byron, that revolutionary student, had to compensate for a club foot; Demosthenes for a stutter; and Homer was blind. Socrates couldn't manage his wife, and infuriated his countrymen. And what about Jesus, if we need an ultimate example of failure with one's peers? Or an ultimate example of love?

No long-term marriage is made easily, and there have been times when I've been so angry or so hurt that I thought my love would never recover. And then, in the midst of near despair, something has happened beneath the surface. A bright little flashing fish of hope has flicked silver fins and the water is bright and suddenly I am returned to a state of love again - till next time.

Have you ever tried to get to your feet with a sprained dignity?

Dare I? Of course I don't. But I'm going to anyhow because I have no choice.

Sometimes when we have to speak suddenly we come closer to the truth than when we have time to think.