The nature and depth of human pride are illuminated by comparing boasting to self-pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, 'I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.' Self-pity says, 'I deserve admiration because I have suffered so much.' Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be so needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego. It doesn't come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride. Christian Hedonism severs the root of self-pity. People don't feel self-pity when suffering is accepted for the sake of joy.

John Piper

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Meats		Poultry	6	Servings

INGREDIENTS

6		Chicken breast halves
1	c	Apricot nectar
1/2	ts	Ground allspice
1/8	ts	Ground ginger
1/4	ts	Fresh ground black pepper
1/4	ts	Salt
1/3	c	Apricot preserves
3	tb	Pecans, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS

Have the chicken breasts skinned and boned. Place the chicken in an
oven-proof pan large enough that the chicken will not be overlapping.
Combine the next 5 ingredients and pour over the chicken, turning the
chicken to get the marinade over all parts. Cover tightly and refrigerate
overnight or at least 8 hours.
Remove from refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes.
Cover tightly with foil and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30
minutes. Uncover, drain and discard liquid from chicken, and keep warm.
Heat apricot preserves and brush over chicken. Bake, uncovered, 20-30
minutes longer, basting with preserves another 2 times. Remove to serving
platter and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serving Ideas
: Serve over rice. NOTES: Requires eight hours or more to marinate before
baking.
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

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