I hear people talking a lot about humility and being
humble. People talk about the importance
of it and how we all should strive to be humble, but, how to go about being
authentically humble – that is not a topic I’ve heard spoken on in those
moments where people are stressing the importance of it.
I’m not an expert, but, the whole idea of somehow trying to
be humble really smacks disingenuous to me.
I say this sincerely as someone who has been diligently seeking. And, OH – I was an avid Do-er! I knew well how to DO, but, not really how to
BE. I was very good at hiding behind “pleaser”
wrapping paper.
Pride is the opposite of humility. And pride is typically wrapped up in
fear. One place I can shed fear and
pride in real ways is in Celebrate Recovery.
It’s a Christ centered 12 step safe place where I’m accepted and can fellowship
with others on the same journey I am – growing together in Christ. I have a long way to go, but, the freedom I’ve
received through being real about my failings and flaws, coming face to face
with the ugly places in me have brought real authentic moments that have been
so wonderful. And the rest and peace I’ve
received from knowing God loves me and was never disillusioned in me from the
start – that helps me to live from that real place more and more outside of CR! That is transformational. While very painful at times, this process
with others and Jesus has been so good and encouraging. Redemptive pain, I want to go toward it more than
ever before, not run from it. Embracing
what I fear is humiliating but is really about just being real brings humility
in real ways.
I don’t know how to manufacture humility on my own. I really don’t think the true article is
possible in and of me. But, along with
shedding pride and fear in CR there is another place where something close to
what I believe must be part of humility just naturally occurs. It’s when I spend time with my heavenly Papa,
focusing on Him for Him. Talking to Him,
worshipping, listening, reading over His word – these are times I lose all
thought about me. When I’m exposed to
Jesus’ magnificence – His greatness – WOW – my mind is never on me in those
moments. Funny how that works! I seem to think this must be the most
authentic form of humility, being mindful more and more of God’s great
goodness, presence and the truth of who He really is. Awe of God’s greatness, it helps me live in a
real way, knowing He is worthy and so big and that I don’t have to try to do
anything in order to find meaning or worth.
I love Him so dearly and am learning to more and more love Him by
receiving His great love for me in my heart.
.jpg)