If I had to choose one word to describe this year thus far, I would probably select “Challenging”. I can think of other words, but I try not to cuss. It’s not an exaggeration to say that 2020 reeks of pestilence, death and destruction. And if you didn’t already have the blues, now you do. You’re welcome.

As I spent time in God’s Holy Word this morning, I had a revelation. While there are MANY ways this year could improve, there is one thing (besides the love and mercy of Jesus Christ) that can make it more palatable for all of us. Are you ready? Wait for it…

Humility

It feels strange to bolden that word, but it’s so meek I thought it needed a little flair. The point? We would all (myself included) float (or stumble) through the rest of this year with a lot more grace and quite probably less stress if we would approach each moment with more humility.

Don’t close the page. Hear me out. Humility is all about becoming “unselved”, if you will. It’s liberating ourselves from constant navel gazing and focusing on ourselves. Our wants. Our needs. Our rights. But enough of my opinion. Let’s look at it from a biblical perspective.

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33 NIV

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. ⁹He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalms 25:8-9 NIV

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly^[a] with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NIV

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3 NIV

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 NIV

Let’s apply some of this scripture to the big doozy issues we face this year:

Coronavirus

If we bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2), our first concern becomes how to protect those around us from this disease. We cease to worry about what we are missing, how hot and uncomfortable masks feel, and the ways we are inconvenienced. We think less about our “rights” and more about keeping our friends, neighbors and even strangers well. We may not know what others are dealing with. Better to keep them safe than sorry. I won’t pretend that this is easy. Some days I feel I may lose my mind if I stay in this house with these precious children another minute. But better I temporarily lose my mind than someone else lose his or her life.

Racism

Philippians 2:3 tells us to “value others above ourselves”. I see no qualifiers here. It doesn’t specify that the “others” have to look like you. Or talk like you. Or dress like you. Or even believe like you (this one can apply to the next point as well). If we display humility by valuing ALL others above ourselves, the issue of racism goes away entirely. Our country’s history of sin still remains, but true humility will at least fix the present so people of color can begin to heal from the past.

Political Bashing

Every presidential election year I want to quit social media. If I didn’t have this blog to promote, I would already be gone. 1 Peter 3:8 says to be “like-minded”. Are we being commanded to see eye-to-eye? No. God created us unique. It’s one of the most interesting things about relationships. The rest of the verse gives context. We are to be sympathetic (agreeable, congenial), compassionate (tenderhearted), humble (some translations say “courteous”) and loving. I rarely see these characteristics present in political discourse. To be humble in this arena is to allow others to have their own opinions without bullying, grandstanding or vitriol.

I could say so much more about humility, but I will practice it instead. I plan to go back and study these verses again, and ask God to show me where my pride gets in His way. Will you?

Prayer:

Father, examine my heart in the these areas and any others I fail to show the proper respect and deference for others. Transform me and make me a servant in the order of your Son Jesus. Thank You for the gift of Your Word to guide us and forgive me for the times I promote myself and my agenda over others.

And now for this week’s featured post!

I had already cried twice and thrown myself quite a pity party on the day I found Confessions of a Caregiver Episode 8 – Fighting for Your Smile with a Fresh Perspective by Suzette of myconcretedove.com. As almost every support system I had in place shut down or became unsafe for my daughter with special needs, Covid-19 felt less like a vacation from work and more like a prison. I have complained entirely too much, but Suzette’s gentle reminder that I can change my perspective and “choose not to be miserable”, was much needed encouragement for me this week. Maybe you need a perspective change too.

And thanks for sharing! Here’s a button for your blog:

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3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
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Hi. My name is Lauren, and I’m a middle aged, middle class, white woman. I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, an expert on black history, race relations or reconciliation. What I am is heartbroken over the injustices I see much more clearly now than I ever have before. What I am is determined to learn and do better. So for what it’s worth, I wanted to share a few resources with you that have taught me, moved me and spurred me to action these last few weeks.

To Watch:

Holy Post – Race in America. Phil Vischer (yes the Veggie Tales guy) on the history of systemic racism. Just watch it. Trust me. (YouTube)

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man – Former football star Emmanuel Acho answering the questions he’s been asked by white people. (YouTube)

The Color of Compromise – Jemar Tisby explores in a video series the ways the church has been complicit.

Best of Enemies – movie based on the true story of a school integration fight between the leader of the local KKK and a civil rights activist.

Black or White – movie also based on a true story of a custody battle between a white grandfather and a black grandmother.

Little Fires Everywhere – this mini-series is not historical. It’s not true. And you will have to put up with some bad language, but it will cause you to think about race and class in new ways. You will want to talk to someone about it when you are done. (Hulu only)

Ruby Bridges – I’m sure this movie about the first black child to integrate an all white school was sanitized for Disney, but it’s still an education.

Harriet – a movie about the most famous conductor of the underground railroad.

To Listen To:

1619 – a podcast from the New York Times on the history of racism in America.

Be The Bridge – a podcast from Natasha Morrison on racial reconciliation.

To Read:

Why are White People so Bad at Talking About Race? – an article interview with the author of White Fragility.

This Is Us Star Lonnie Chavis, 12, Shares His Experiences with Racism: ‘America Needs to Change’ from People Magazine – I couldn’t resist a star from my favorite show.

Open Letter to Moms – an article for Peekaboo: Northwest Arkansas’ Family Magazine

Justice Too Long Delayed – an editorial for Christianity Today

George Floyd and Me – A look inside the mind of a black Christian man today from The Gospel Coalition

White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson, Ph.D. – I am not far along yet in this book, but I am already appalled by how much I don’t know about the history of blacks in our country.

Challenge: Dig into one of these offerings or something else you’ve heard good buzz about. But before you do, say a prayer. Ask God to show you what you don’t yet see. Ask Him, “What am I missing?” I’m praying for you in this. In the meantime, leave any recommendations you have for me in the comments. I want to keep learning.