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
Grains, Meats, Dairy	Spanish	Soups, Spanish, Nuts, Kump	6	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1		Celery stalk; minced
1		Garlic clove peeled and crushed
2	tb	Butter
3	c	Chicken stock
2/3	c	Ground almonds
1/8	ts	Mace
1	c	Heavy cream
		Salt and pepper
2	tb	Toasted slivered almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

IN A SAUCEPAN, SAUTE THE CELERY and garlic in the butter until softened.
Add the chicken stock, almonds and mace. Cover and simmer 30-to-40 minutes,
stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let stand at room
temperature for one hour. Puree in a blender or food processor. Return to
the pot, stir in cream and heat 2-to-3 minutes. Do not let the soup come to
a boil. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve sprinkled with
toasted almonds.
From Gemini's MASSIVE MealMaster collection at www.synapse.com/~gemini

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