Today, I felt compelled to share some thoughts on Pride and being Proud, even though I rarely engage with prompts like this. When I reflect on the question, I struggle to identify anything I’m truly proud of. I often feel insecure and wonder if I’ve ever achieved anything worthy of being proud. Yes, I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart since 1988, but I frequently think I could have been a better husband and provided more for my wife to strengthen our bond and the trust she has in me.
On a brighter note, I am proud of our two wonderful sons. Despite my past as a heavy drinker and my wife and I smoking for many years, they have chosen a different path. They’ve never touched alcohol, drugs, or even used profanity, which is especially significant given our own struggles with those issues. They are genuinely loved by everyone who knows them, and that makes me incredibly proud.
I’m also proud that I took a leap of faith and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. However, I sometimes feel like I’ve failed to guide my family in that same direction.
I’m proud to say I’ve held every serious job for over ten years, leaving only when the company sold or shut down, except for one job where I was laid off due to attendance issues from my past laziness and drinking.
Despite what others might say about having reasons to be proud, I often focus on my shortcomings, which feeds my insecurity.
Now, regarding Pride: I’ve written two Christian-based books, guided by God. I wrote, edited, and proofread them using software, and I even have four more in the works. But, and yes, there is a BIG “but”, I’m not proud of the outcomes. The lack of sales diminishes my sense of accomplishment, making it hard to celebrate what I’ve done.
So what can I truly say I’m proud of? Ultimately, I believe it comes down to “listening to the Lord.” When He told me, “Willie, you tried it your way; now follow Me,” I knew I needed to make a change. I’m not a perfect Christian, nor am I a saint, but I firmly believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and that He came to set us free from sin and offer eternal life to those who believe.
Although I face health challenges that I haven’t shared and may not unless God leads me to, I find comfort in knowing that God loves me. If you call upon Him, He will love you too because He desires that no one perishes. While I may not feel prideful about my faith, I am proud that I opened my heart to Jesus. Despite facing mockery and the challenges of walking this journey alone, I have not turned back and continue to press forward.
In addition to my personal struggles, I also want to emphasize the importance of community and support in our journeys. Sharing our experiences with others can bring healing and encouragement, not just to ourselves but to those around us. I hope that by being open about my insecurities and achievements, I can inspire someone else to reflect on their own journey.
I do everything for His Glory, Praise, and Honor. What I am proud of most is being a Christian, a father to two amazing boys, a husband to my high school sweetheart, and yes, being Puerto Rican.
God Bless You all and Thank you for Reading.
You Are Loved
Willie Torres Jr.
10/21/2024
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Willie Torres Jr. 
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