On Facebook, I asked for blog topics, and this one was given; self-reliance, what does that mean to you. Wow, a tough one.

Self-reliance is to rely on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others. For me, this is twofold.

Being blessed with Asperger's, I am very dependent on others, but I am fiercely independent at the same time. I need someone to help me keep my balance. This person is my husband (the very one I prayed for and the one God told to take care of me).

I'm a control freak in that my days must be set up so that the balance and recharge work out nicely for all involved. I was called to Christ when I was six, and this relationship has been my foundation to saneness and joy. I trust God with my life, and he enriches it through those he places in it and allows the Holy Spirit to direct my path.

I love partnership. I have a tune I sing, “Anything I can do, you can do better. You can do anything better than me.” I see and acknowledge the gifts of others.  I know where to go to find what is needed. This is self-sufficiency (capable of providing for one's own need) at its finest.

So, at my core, I rely on God. I believe we all need this foundation. My husband, my family, and others who "get" me allow me the atmosphere to do more than survive; they let me be me. 

I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. He has proven this over and over again in my life. I never stand alone, for this is when I fall. When I partner with Christ, and he is with me, I can accomplish much.

I am a strong and independent woman, and I am a "kept" woman. This is only possible through God, who directs my path and has set things in place for me. There are times when I take my eyes off of Him, and the freedom I know goes missing. This keen awareness proves my desire for wholeness comes through the Trinity.

I am in control of myself. I am self-reliant. This looks very different for each one of us. I choose to let God guide and unfold my life in powerful ways.

There is self-centeredness. I believe we all have a bit of this that haunts us. Then, on the flip side, we need a good dose of self-care to be the best we can be for those we serve. Weigh these on the scale of living and work at keeping a healthy balance, less self-centeredness, some self-care on one side, and serving others on the other. 

We must consider ourselves to be self-reliant to do any of this because everything is a choice. Yet, no one can serve two masters. We can live both in harmony; self-reliance and dependency. When Jesus is in place as Master of our lives, we become powerful in so many ways. I believe that what is true for me is true for all people. It's genius once it is discovered.

I choose the path I walk. I was blind, but now I see.