Often times we read or speak of humility. Words such as humble, honest, and modest accompany; or it is compared against arrogance or pride. How many of us could accurately define humility? I, myself, was forming a list of synonyms before I could come up with a precise definition.
Humility - noun - the quality or condition of being humble modest
opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank etc
All of my readers know that I am very, (perhaps I should say VERY) opinionated. What many do not know, or able to see in the back screen is my process of getting to the opinions I have, had or will have. Yes, I said had, or will have. The past and present tense.
Part of growing and developing, or discovering, is changing, or evolving. Evolution is a natural adaptation, a change over time. Without placing myself as a small participant of the humankind, or creatures in general, I could never learn about the amazing concepts, theories, and workings of the world.
In our “civilized” society though, too many times do we forget that. As humans we place ourselves as the biggest, and most important part of the world and nature. The world revolves around us, not us as a part of the world.
Having the ‘unfortunate’ opportunity of having access to television the past two weeks I have became so irate, angry, completely overwhelmed with my emotional barriers to intellectual growth. Then again how much intellectual growth can one really achieve in front of the “boob” tube?
There is a huge movement in our life time that many people are acutely aware of, or are extremely afraid of and thus denial sets in. I am speaking of the growing numbers in those who are stepping out of the closet and admitting to losing their faith in the organized religion they struggle to hold on to or their complete lack of faith.
Before you exit, finish reading. I promise this is not a religion bashing post. Rather a reflection of how a lack of humility may be a cause of losing ground, not just in the religious numbers, but in any controversial issue.
Without being able to be humble, modest, remove our idea of self importance, we can not remove the importance we place on personal issues. Many are strong advocates of the Special Olympics. Why? Because it touches their lives in some form. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, March of Dimes, Teen Pregnancy Centers, the list goes on. These issues do affect society as a whole, but more directly and a harder impact on those who are connected to those issues.
Our inability to remove that strong connection can be counterproductive to our desired result. Being blinded by our own emotions does not allow us to see another perspective, solution, or path that could ultimately contribute to our desired goal.
While sometimes we may be giving up a little bit of ground, we could in the end win the race. For example, a middle school in the North Eastern portion of the United States is allowing children to exchange gifts on their own time in the school. Calling a decorated tree a holiday tree, and seasons greetings. Many Christians are upset. They feel they are losing ground and control. Perhaps if they could step back and see that the children are still allowed to say “Merry Christmas”, they could see that the students in the Christian faith are not losing anything. If at all anything their strength to continue without “adult” guidance or a school “Christmas” party, should make many believers smile. Warmth should feel your hearts. Why? Because it is this generation of students that will show the true warmth of what many preach “Jesus” is about. Compassion, love, acceptance. A few steps back, and twice as many forward.
I have seen the movie “Pay It Forward” on television several times as of late. How one act can indeed cause a true domino effect. You may say, wait a minute, didn’t that kid die? Yes, he did. His life was cut short. The point though is what he did with that life. Every time he felt like his choice in his plan had failed he choose a different path and tried again. He re-evaluated the situation. That young boy placed himself on the small scale, and thought about the picture as a whole.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” ~Rick Warren
So, my challenge to myself and you this “Holiday/Christmas/Kwanza/Hanaku/Whatever” Season is this: “What Would Jesus Do?” Are you lost yet? If so then you missed the point and I encourage you to reflect and re-read. If you are smiling, and some of you shaking your head while laughing (giggles) then you caught my point.
Have an amazing transition into winter and enjoy all the blessings the changing of the seasons have in store for us.
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