Hi BK, Pride which emanates from a sense of self is something that really has no place in the Christian character, particularly for Amish or Mennonites. At least, not overtly. Making lovely quilts is done and perhaps admired for the work it entailed and the cameraderie it engendered, but it would not be a source of pride. Another example :I know an Old Order Mennonite schoolteacher who I correspond with and have visited at home and school. I was surprised to learn that she along with a few other teachers produce text books under the name , "Schoolaid". Now I had some of those books when I was teaching, and a lot of work and research went into them. However, not one woman had her name in the credits. They would not dream of doing that. It is all tied in with what they call, "gelassenheit". a kind of yieldedness to humility. It is the reason why women keep their caps on almost all the time. It is not just a "prayer cap". it is a symbol of a woman's submission to the male.The male is the head of the woman. The male is in submission to Christ as is everyone. So, they are brought up to think of themselves dead last more or less. This is the reason why they do not have mirrors everywhere or have photos of themselves. It is all about humility. THey do enjoy their children very much, and it is very much a kid friendly community, but it is not their way to brag about their child or show pride in what they do. I would suppose human nature is human nature, and I know there has to be times when a smart kid makes the parent happy. But that would not be something talked about much. It is the reason why there is no competitive sports or prizes for good work. Everyone is expected to do their best for God. To have someone stand out because of accomplishments would be to make the community uneven, as it were. No one is inherently better than anyone else, which is why the clothing is simple and similar if you have $100,000 or $100. It doesn't mean anything as only the Kingdom of Heaven is important. When one understands what it means to be a Christ centered community that is non resistant in every way, then one can have a better grasp as to what it means to be a member of these groups.  Susan