I posted this on my new blog... stop by!!  www.jessiestill.wordpress.com  :) 

For now, I’ve been thinking about humility.  What IS humility?  Well, in it’s poetic/theoretic form, we all think this a beautiful, wonderful, desirable, admirable character trait that some possess, and which we should all aspire to live out more. 

Perhaps you think you are humble?  Maybe there are those who you think are humble.  The trick is, once you think you’ve seen it (in yourself or others), you probably lost it!

I think true humility, when it is lived rightly is nearly invisible.  You may be standing next to the most humble person in the world, but you wouldn’t know it.  And, I believe, true humility is rare and even painful to cultivate in our own hearts. 

My definition of humility:  (and Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of these)

-To make yourself nothing, to refuse to cling to power or position, for the sake of building up others, lifting them to power, giving your power and position away to benefit others.

-To live, act, and give as if every one you meet is better and more deserving than you; to consider others and what they are doing as more important than what is in your heart (even if you know what is on your heart is right, perhaps even from God!). 

 What humility is NOT: 

-Hating yourself, criticizing yourself, or always telling people how “bad” you are.

-Refusing to do anything of consequence, for fear of being recognized, or becoming proud. 

-Refusing thanks, compliments, etc. 

-Rejecting positions of leadership (especially when you are needed and gifted in that position!)

 What it is:

-Serving because you want to and enjoy it, not just because you should

-Not looking for rewards from others

-Being confident of who you are and what your gifts and calling are.  Being so confident that you don’t have to prove yourself, and confident enough to move into a position when you know your gifting is needed in a situation (not shying away in false humility). 

I feel like God is trying to build humility in me.  I’m sure he is in all of us.  But, the problem for me is this:  it’s hard!  And, it hurts to let go of selfishness!!  I never understood how much desire for recognition and longing for “fame” I had in me… until recently… and….well. . .  I’m just not there.  But, I want to be!  When I look at Jesus and see that He took THE LOWEST place, the God of the Universe bending down to serve US, those whom He MADE out of dirt; Perfection serving the helplessly flawed; Love, loving the unworthy.  It makes me love Him and see how beautiful He is – and I want that! 

Your thoughts?

[fyi: I have a new blog!  Find me at:  http://jessiestill.wordpress.com/]

I hate sickness.  Actually, who does like being sick??  Seriously.  It’s not fun.  Erica and I have been plagued by … something… the last week or so.  Not fun.   I’m doing better.  Erica has a big exam tomorrow, and can’t study very well.  So, that’s a little upsetting.  We’ve prayed several times, and will continue to do so.

That’s the frustrating thing.  We believe in God.  Jesus heals.  I’ve seen people be healed by the power of God, and I myself have been healed miraculously on a few occasions, in the name of Jesus.  I have even prayed for others and seen them healed (only a few that I know of).  But, not every one, every time.  Not only do I know that God can.  He wants to, is willing, and I believe He even LIKES to! 

So, what’s the deal?  Why don’t we see more of it?  I don’t know.

But, here’s what I have concluded:  I’m going to base my life on what I DO know, not on what I DON’T know.  Make sense?  It’s the only way to truly live anyway.  Let me put it in perspective that we can all relate to:  I know I’m alive today.  I don’t know if I’ll be alive tomorrow.  So, what do I do?  I LIVE, TODAY!! 

 I’m going to continue living in what I DO know about God and His power to heal, and keep pressing in to see it ALL (’cause I know it’s all possible!!); because, it’s not about our little cold/cough… it’s really about the fact that there are a lot of people out there suffering in major ways that Jesus CAN and WILL touch and heal, because He LOVES those people!!  Who’s with me?

 Other thoughts?