Humility in action
Psalms 51:10-13 NIV
Last Saturday I spoke to several groups of inner city women on the subject of forgiveness. Days before the event, I began spending time in prayer asking God to push me out of the way so His words could be heard. I thanked Him for such a great opportunity given to me.
When Saturday came, I was pleased to see the groups of ladies signed up for our session were small enough to allow the women to feel safe in sharing their stories. We visited subjects from drug abuse to children in prison. Our conversations went from dealing with abusers to moving on from self-loathing. All subjects were cloaked in the purpose of forgiveness.
Before each session, I begged God not to let me embarrass myself or bring shame to Him. And each session ended with women expressing gratitude for a God who loved them completely and modeled how to forgive appropriately. At the end, I was pleased with the day’s outcome. Returning home, I basked in the experience of watching God at work. It was then, that I realized I had worn my top inside out. Tags, frayed edges, and loose threads—all danced on the outside of my shirt showing what I prefer to keep to private.
I smiled to myself…
Isn’t that what we do in our lives? We want people to see the finished product—all nice and tidy. But for all practical purposes, we’re frayed at the edges and look like we’re loosely pulled together. We all need forgiveness—to ask for as well as offer.
That night my husband and I went out to dinner. I was honored and humbled to wear my shirt as it was—inside out. The ugliness reminded me that no matter how you look on the outside, beauty comes with a personal relationship with Christ.
10 Comments
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As Donna said, what an excellent word picture. Holy Spirit was still speaking to you, long after the event finished. That is His hallmark … ensuring that His teachers always learn more than His students. I LOVE these kind of things! As if He reached down to speak personally to His beloved Robin. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Kathryne. Your comment felt like a hug. It’s been a bumpy learning process, but putting God’s plans first always pay off–always!
Blessings to you,
Robin
Good. Consider yourself virtually hugged lol. I just returned from a weekend women’s retreat. Felt very loved by my sisters in Christ. Nothing like women’s ministry – it’s my heart.
Humility positions you inside out.
There’s no room to hide.
Forgiveness cannot happen without humility.
There’s no room for pride.
Thanks, Debbie, for commenting.
You offered so much wisdom in the few words you wrote. Humility isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always right. And everything in my life hinges on forgiveness.
Thanks for sharing such keen insight.
Robin, That is so funny. But what an excellent word picture to use some other time. Thanks for being willing to serve these women.
What a perfect unplanned illustration of your message to those women. No matter what, God loves us. Period.
I know, right?
I fretted over what to wear because I wanted to look my best but still be approachable. If I would have worn my shirt inside out any other time, I would have been mortified. But instead, I was grateful. Funny how God uses the littlest things to make the biggest impressions.
Thanks for taking the time to respond.
Robin
Amen, Robin. Well said.
Thanks, Darla.