>>>>>>>Once again, another week gone by! I hope you all have been good. Here is my newest discussion. Please bear with me, this one was tough. Deepest thanks to those reading!

Humility is one of qualities found in great men and women. People like Gandhi and Mother Teresa have been effective in what they pursued while still keeping a low personal profile. They served others, and by doing so became extremely powerful. How is this? By being humble, we can not only get respect, but help others in the process.

The adjective "humble" reads as such: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive (Webster.com). Does this not contain one of the seven deadly sins? Pride... what can help in the right amount, but can be destructive in extreme cases. Example: a person has pride. When someone HAS pride, we look favorably on them. That person is secure in who they are, they respect themselves and (hopefully) those around them. When a person is proud: this wording is often used in a different sense. When a person is excessively proud in themselves, they become high-minded. This person will be arrogant, believing themselves to be better than others, perhaps because of some achievement or their social status. The proud person demeans the existence of those around them. This is a horrible trait. All humans deserve a standard level of respect which only THEY can blemish. The proud person purposely stamps on that level, making this seem higher in his/her own mind. Being excessively proud covers all the other synonyms found in this definition. The worst these people can do is brag they are humble when they are obviously not. The worst thing a humble person can do is become holier-than-thou about being humble and become proud themselves. These, and all proud people, should be looked upon as wretched and self-absorbed.

What then, of being humble? What is the correct way to act and feel when you are of humble heart? Answering these questions is awkward, as being humble is a state reached simply by being that: humble. How then, to describe this... Yes. This is the way. In order to be humble, you must become subservient to those around you. In serving others, you will find that your ego is dampened to an appropriate level.

And how do we become subservient? The word itself should be enough to describe the process. We must devote ourselves to helping those in need and putting our personal wants in perspective. Your actions, as well, will show how much you value those around you. For example, what is more pleasing; somebody holding the door for you or barely jerking it wide enough for themselves to enter, let alone you? The obvious answer is the former, someone holding the door for you. You pass by, thanking them. Maybe you look back and see the person hold the door for a few more people. In that action, the person holding the door humbled his or her self by putting other's needs before their own. Conversely, the individual barely creating a crack in the door will not seem like a kind person to you (not judging others is divine, judging, even against your will, is human). The latter individual only cared for what comes next for them. Be the person who holds the door.

But what, you ask, of those who have power? Do they not have a right to being first in everything? Yes, those who have power do hold a station higher than the common person. They have been given authority, and so must be respected greatly. However, I even would tell those people to be humble. What is easier, a serf bowing to his king or the king bowing to the serf? Oh, that king who humbles himself to serve that serf's needs is greatest above all other kings! All rulers should be like that person. A subject serves their master, this is the natural course of events. But the master serving the slave? Extraordinary, my dear readers, extraordinary. That king is truly humble. If you have power, it is better throw it all away and live among the lowest of the low than to use it to oppress those who are not as privileged.

One of the best ways to express humility is through forgiving and asking for forgiveness. Just as the Lord's Prayer goes: "...Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." It is quite easy to hold a grudge, especially one with good reasons for being angry. But, this is not something to do or encourage. After all, how bad does it feel to know someone despises you for something? This often creates anger towards the grudge-holder for holding the grudge, creating another emotional burden. Perhaps you want to defend your pride, saying "this one has harmed me! Why should I seek their penance when I can use this against them in a harmful way?" or even worse: "Why should I feel sorry for harming another?" Seeking to mend what is harming both people requires great humility on both ends. When one goes to the other, they must be willing to admit they did wrong. Only pointing out the harm the other person has done will increase tension. No matter which side you are from, the harmer or harmed, continuing strife is no good. By seeking forgiveness, you will be saying: "I throw myself down at your feet. Can we not be reconciled?" Even more difficult is the one who is being asked for forgiveness. They must be able to put the past behind them and admit wrong on their end as well. The greatest forgiveness you can give is saying: "I forgive you, and hope you will forgive my actions towards you as well. Now, stand! And embrace me as you would family!" Bowing the head in humility is harder than raising the chin pompously.

Oh, but of course this must be addressed. While you make yourself subservient, also remember your personal value as a human, as well as any authority you have. Don't be so much a servant that you make yourself into a fool! Keeping your dignity intact is not the same as being high-minded. Being in control of who you are at all times is essential to being humble. Mother Teresa and Gandhi both asserted their authority when needed, did they not? And yet they still lived as servants to those around them. And even the wisest king must sometimes be strict in order to keep order intact. Be yourself, no matter how much you lower yourself. Identity is often the greatest treasure.

And so, my dear readers, I leave you for another week. I will answer your questions in due course. In the meantime, here is my conclusion. It is better to be humble, then to own all riches. It is better to be humble, then to hold yourself high. It is better to be humble, then to demean those around you. Yes, it is better to be humble, as humility is royalty just as pride is Hyde.

May God bless you all.

>>>>>Phew! I must say, that was a challenge. I went through it about five times, and still don't feel all that great about it. I may add more in new posts. Any mistakes are, of course, my own. I will address all questions and comments.
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