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I realize that I self-pity myself. I want to get rid of this, because it is completely contrary to God and the Christian life, in which we are to carry our cross and be thankful for all things. Please tell me what I should do.

I am glad that you self-assessed yourself and came to the conclusion that your problem is self-pity. This is the first step to recovery. It is true that self-pity is a sin and is against the teaching of our Lord.

The Holy Bible teaches us "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (Jam 1:2-4). Trials and temptations should not lead us to self-pity; but to gratefulness to God in and for every situation; and to joyfully accept them as a tool for making us better people; and more importantly better children of God.

Do not compare yourself to others whom you might think are better than you; for God has given each one of us a different talent. However, He assured us that each one has got his own talent.

Do not be demanding; but accept with joy what you have and count your blessings. Do not concentrate on the negatives in your life but rather on the positives. Look around you. I am sure you will find so many people worse off than you who are doing better in terms of acceptance and obedience to God and His will; Imitate their example. The worst thing one can possibly do to oneself is fall into hopelessness. Change your focus from what you lack to what you have; from what you cannot do to what you can do. Do not focus on you problems but on possible solution to these problems.

If everything else fails; think of all the people of New Orleans who have lost their homes, their livelihood and possibly their loved ones. Yet they are thankful and still have hope in the Lord.

Pray that God will help get over this condition quickly and make you enjoy His love and care for you.