Humility!
I remember a mentor/friend talking with me once about the power of genuine humility! She said some people are ‘proud’ to be humble. That made me laugh. Of course pride cancelled any hope of gaining humility. Others are simply humble, realizing how little they really know and how truly dependent they are on God.
Then today as I read a quotation on my calendar I was reminded of the incident I mentioned above.
“When you are humble you have other people’s advice to rely on. When you are proud you have only your own.”
Now there’s something to think about. In the early hours and days of grieving the loss of my husband, I depended on the help, good will, love, and encouragement of others. I knew that I didn’t know how to help myself so I reached out. And what a comfort it has been to experience and use other people’s suggestions and advice. I don’t want to be a person who relies only on herself, especially at times when I feel vulnerable.
So if you have anything to say that you think would benefit me, fire away. I’m all ears!
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Karen,
Be gentle with yourself during this season and also take your time making decisions.
xxoxxo
Good idea. I just told someone today that I am being gentle with myself and I’m giving myself plenty of time to make decisions about anything! Thanks for echoing my own thoughts on this.
Humility doesn’t mean thinking you’re no good. It means knowing your place.
Yes, I agree. I never think less of myself because I know that I’m made in the image of God.
Here’s a good example of humility:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/oew4tkj
Thank you. Lovely article.
When you feel the sadness of loss, focus on the fact that your dear one is enjoying the presence of our Lord. Picture him whole and healthy. Your life here will never be the same, but it can be joyful knowing God’s comfort one day at a time. Being a widow is a journey that is never easy. However, God has promised to be with us and there are things he wants to show us along the way. Keep your eyes open for the beauty He will reveal. I am on that same journey, there can be some dark tunnels here and there, but there are also wonderful discoveries. Love to you, Karen.
Thank you, Etta Mae. You have been a source of love and encouragement for months now. I so appreciate your sharing your journey with me.
First Corinthians 2:9 reads eyes have not seen not ears heard what God has prepared for those who love Him. We know you see pain and heartache but Charles is with you everyday cheering you on with that awesome new body he has now! No matter how things appear now there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for you and God is still using your beautiful gift of love to encourage others along the way. You Karen O’connor are an amazing child of the most high God! He will bring you forth as pure gold! We will praise Him in the morning and all the day long for you, because the work in has done in you palest the glory He has in store for you!!!! Praise the Lord our God! We love you!!!
Thank you, Cathy and Walter. I love the scripture verse you shared. Brings great comfort. I am actually doing very well and experiencing God’s grace, new every morning. I love you too.
Karen the only thing I can suggest is to read about grief as then you realize how you are feeling is “very normal.” I am sure writing about your loss is a big help. I know you have a lot of close friends that will always be there for you. Take care Karen.
Thank you, Mary. I have been reading about grief and widowhood and it has been so helpful and encouraging. Yes, I do have family and good friends to support me and people like you who are loving me from afar. Thanks for that. I’m doing pretty well, feeling stronger each day.
You have always been good about seeking support and advice. It’s one of my favorite things about you. So my advice to you is to trust the accumulated wisdom of all your years and allow yourself to do what it is you feel like doing, when you feel like doing it, trusting that it is good and right for you because, by now you really do know best for you.
I love you.
What a lovely thing to say, dear daughter. I will take your ‘advice.’ 🙂
Karen, I’m sure you have a lot of common sense. But you still are humble enough to take the advice of friends and family. yes, I can see how we can’t be “proud” to be humble, that is funny! I was talking to an older friend today about my younger friends. They are age 50 plus a few years. I can’t tell them anything-they think they know it all and have everything figured out!!! yet, by age 60 plus and into age 70 they will have mellowed and become more humble. (I did)
So true, Mary. Thanks for the reminder that in our 40s and 50s we’re pretty sure we know what to do–but then the older years come upon us and we see that we need God to guide us. We don’t know so much after all!