Have you ever noticed how sometimes we interpret Biblical condemnations of pride/vanity to mean that we should pretend to be less than we are out of fear of seeming proud?
Consider the following quote by Marianne Williamson from her book A Return to Love:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light , not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make and manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
As I study the Parable of the Talents for Sunday’s sermon, I am meditating on this passage.
Theology for ordinary people. 
so true. I like the last sentence as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically libertates others. That is why we are drawn to those that inspire, uplift and bold with acts of generousity and kindness. Marlyn Thorpe