JoBeth Hawkins, Small Group Leader

Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Reflection:
I love an underdog! The heroine of a Hallmark movie who is about to lose her family business, the “walk-on” player vying to make his college football team roster, the runt of a litter of newborn puppies, and the unhoused child who grows up to be a renowned physician, all tug at my heartstrings. In her book, Hindsight, Dr. Sheryl Recinos describes her early life as a child from a dysfunctional family who is put into foster care, finds herself in juvenile detention, and later is living on the streets of Los Angeles as a teenager. Recinos chronicles the dangers of life on the streets, the trauma of constant predators seeking her out, the loss of a friend to murder, and her struggle to complete high school while homeless and pregnant.  Through it all, she was able to find her way to college and, years later, to medical school. Now, as a practicing physician hospitalist, she gives back to the community she credits with saving her life and travels abroad to work as a medical missionary. Throughout the Bible, God uses the weak, the vulnerable, and the “least of these” to accomplish great things. When we are at our worst, when we are discouraged in some way, when our pride is shelved and our humility is palpable, we are most able to serve God.

In this passage of scripture, Solomon speaks to the power of humility and the destructive potential of pride. While pride rarely draws us closer to God, humility—particularly that which comes with a cost, whether it be an embarrassment, pain, or sorrow—pushes us like a crashing wave into the arms of God. These moments of affliction can become a blessing, despite the pain. So, while I have never suffered the plight of homelessness and the humility that many experience as a result, I have experienced the bitter taste of humility that was caused by my own prideful heart. As Solomon attests, humility does bring wisdom, the wisdom in knowing that a humble and grateful heart tends to offer praise where it is due, and then serves as it is called.

Prayer:
Gracious and loving God, so often my pride gets in the way of truly fixing my gaze on you.  Today and always, draw me closer to you with a humble heart and a grateful spirit.  Lead me on the path that best serves you, and open my eyes to those around me who need to hear your Word and feel your presence.  All praise and honor are yours, Father God.  Amen.