My dear friends,

Today, I want to talk to you about self-reliance. It is a quality that is highly valued in our society, and it is often seen as a mark of strength and resilience. But what does self-reliance really mean, and why is it important?

At its core, self-reliance is about taking responsibility for our own lives and being accountable for our actions. It is about having the courage to face challenges and difficulties on our own, without relying on others to solve our problems for us. Self-reliance is not about being selfish or independent to the point of isolation; it is about being self-sufficient and capable of taking care of ourselves, while also recognizing the importance of community and connection with others.

Self-reliance is important because it empowers us to take control of our lives and pursue our goals with confidence and determination. It allows us to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and to learn and grow from our experiences. Self-reliance also helps us to develop a sense of resilience and inner strength that can sustain us through difficult times.

However, self-reliance is not something that we can achieve on our own. It requires a supportive community, mentors, and resources to help us along the way. It is important to seek out help when we need it and to be willing to learn from others. Self-reliance is not about being perfect or never making mistakes; it is about being willing to take risks and learn from our failures, being willing to do the hard work and give it a hundred percent effort.

In conclusion, self-reliance is a quality that we should all strive to cultivate in ourselves. It is a mark of strength, resilience, and independence, but it also requires humility, community, and a willingness to learn from others. May we all find the balance between self-reliance and interdependence, and may we continue to grow and learn on our journeys of self-discovery. Amen.