Pinging everyone to ROE’s amazing #693.
I am reading St. Bernard for bedtime reading. He maintains humility is the beginning of the approach to God. It is nothing but perceiving the truth about ourselves.
I have hit a dry spot with respect to words (much to everyone’s relief I’m sure!) I woke up angry this AM and really had to take the reins and force myself to my morning prayers. Sure, objectively speaking it is all grace, and the realization that the only thing to do in a hissy fit is to turn to God is itself a gift.
But subjectively, it felt like work, hard work with little result.
So I have nothing to say. Let’s pray.
Thank you for posting that, ROE. And I’m sorry you’re spiritually poorly today, Mad Dawg.
Jessica’s words (in 693) are a little like what I was trying to say on another thread, about being “serious.” To me, “seriousness” is a sneaky Basement Cat making me believe it’s all about me and the boxes I can check off. Smack her with an old copy of “First Things” - gosh that was under the bed a long time, wasn’t it? - and say, “God is great, and He’s handling it all ... and He thinks I’m cute, darn it!
Take that, Basement Cat! New Zealand is beautiful. Frank has perfect red-gold curls. Monkey Face is the dearest lady in Nevada. Congressman Billybob was a great man. Four verses of “Buenos Dias, Paloma Blanca” and an encore of “Como Estrella en Claro Cielo,” and I hope they hurt your cat ears.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
THX THX.
Here’s something that may—just may—make you laugh a little today and provide a new perspective on humility as well:
Perhaps the greatest of insults is from the movie
The Great Trees starring Kirk Douglas:
“You are a sty on the eye of a flea on the thigh of a nit on the neck of a gnat.”
Lord, I am so weak and small. I worry that I am not up to Your tasks for me. Help me to tackle the challenges that come my way with humility and determination. Help me to ignore my own fears and needs. Strengthen me so I am not prey to discouragement. Fill me with Love so that it is always my first choice in all I say and do.
Temper me in Your fiery furnace. I am afraid I am not up to the test. I believe- help my unbelief. I am not worthy- but say the word and heal me. Allow me to touch the hem of Your cloak and eat the crumbs from Your table. Forgive me and have mercy on me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen