HUMILITY. Releasing one’s hold on self and ego and pride. Meekness. Finding an inner fortitude of resiliency and vulnerability and buoyancy. These are difficult words. We want to assert ourselves. We want our own way. We want to do things that make us look good. How humiliating was it for Jesus to become human? How humiliating was it for Mary to become pregnant before being married? How humiliating was it for Joseph to accept Mary’s condition? What does it take to live humbly and act selflessly? Acts of HUMILITY can only be done where there is great love.
In the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13 (“the love chapter”), here are some words to help you reflect on this concept of HUMILITY.
Humility waits
It doesn’t push its way forward
It doesn’t preach the loudest
It doesn’t write the final word
It doesn’t refuse to surrender
It doesn’t insist on “my way or the highway”
Humility seeks
It crosses the road to be kind
It carries burdens cheerfully
It considers the best in the other because it sees the reasons underneath
It cares for the ugly
It completes the circle, pulling it together and filing it in
Humility holds
It never grabs for more
It never rants nor rages
It never looks longingly at the house next door
It never calls others names
It never brags about its latest and greatest accomplishments
Humility reclines
It seeks not attention
It seeks not to offend
It seeks not to annoy
It seeks not to see an enemy fall
It seeks not a list of last year’s wrongs
Humility lingers
It delights when truth is shown even if proving one’s own words wrong
It delights in sacrificing for another
It delights in its own limitations knowing this means more in another
It delights in faith that is built on love
It delights in rising trust
Humility anticipates
Its hope sees things getting better
Its hope awaits more of you and less of me
Its hope surmounts possibility
Its hope believes love wins
Its hope lasts forever
“Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true HUMILITY, and lift your heads to extend love to others. 4 Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
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