DAY 1:
Pride
Looking upon people with my heart, and not my mind…
The one thing I really cannot fathom is ridiculing others for their appearance…whether it is clothing, facial hair, tattoos, hair style, etc…
This has nothing to do with race or nationality…seriously…can we get pass that racism already? It’s 2011…….
At times, it is awfully difficult to look past this fault in others. Some people (always women – never my male friends) tend to do this ridicule of appearance…like they are perfect or something? That is something we should all keep in mind: they aren’t perfect either…NONE of us are….
(and personally...I learn more from my husband, or men sometimes, than women-
when's the last time you heard your husband or male friend ridicule
others about appearance? or downgrade someone?)
(and personally...I learn more from my husband, or men sometimes, than women-
when's the last time you heard your husband or male friend ridicule
others about appearance? or downgrade someone?)
So instead of looking upon someone who might be “out of style” or has age spots on her face (heaven forbid) look at them with your heart…all of us are special in God’s eyes…no matter what we look like on the outside…
Pride is the biggest drawback to becoming a better person…it’s the hardest to get over…
You aren’t so special Anne Marie…no matter who tells you this
*you aren’t so special....not yet*
Today’s society has really drilled this into us when someone is good looking, successful, creative, or even a good baker: that when you are successful at something you are so special
Really?
Do you really think that you are so special because you can do these things?
then everyone else who doesn't have your good of a talent...what are they??
Do you really think that you are so special because you can do these things?
then everyone else who doesn't have your good of a talent...what are they??
If you consider yourself special because you have these talents/gifts, then you might possibly be looking upon others as ‘not special’ and will put them down, even mentally this will not be a good thing…..we should always look upon others for who they are- regardless of talent or creativity
Yes, this talent you have, or worked at enhancing is unique, but who gave you this gift?
but beware....
"A man is never so proud as when striking an attitude of humility"- C.S. Lewis
this means that you can't just act like you are humble...you have to actually live it
Until you start thanking the One who gave it to you, you aren’t special….
SO:
Take 5 minutes today and tell God ‘thank you’
a deep sincere thank you for life...for this opportunity to grow...for me to let go of pride...
*now you are special*
in the One's eyes that really matters
that's one step closer to true happiness
(picture via Beth Quinn designs...I love wearing those earrings)
(fun tidbit on the peacock...it's both a symbol of pride & God's eye)
Thanks for sharing! The quote I am meditating on today is "blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth". Much to do with humility indeed. Excited (and a little scared) to see what God will do with me today. Thanks again for your beautiful words.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for these words from your heart. they are very true. i will reflect on them today. xo!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post!! I so agree that when we look at someones outward appearance and make unkind comments we are actually being judgmental and the Bible says judge not lest you be judged. I hope everyone who reads your post really stops and reflects on the words you have written. I know I have.
ReplyDeleteYou have touched on something that has been on my mind a lot lately, particularly when it comes to women sniping at each other. I am surrounded by women who seem to think it is their duty to point out the flaws in everyone else. I prefer to look for what is beautiful in everyone around me - it makes for a happier life!
ReplyDeleteI'm nobody! Who are you?
ReplyDeleteAre you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us — don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know.
How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!
I read this to my husband and his said "She is exactly right, she is just a know-it-all"... Hahaha
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thank you for posting this! This is the one thing I always pray about, and pray for forgiveness for, but you are making me realize I never really take steps to eradicate this horrible habit.
Thank You!
Cella
Beautiful, perfect, heartfelt post! It started my day out very nice. Thank you for writing this.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Sue
Good morning dear Anne... and thank you for this most heartfelt post... I am kind of a loner... alot of this has to do with the very thing you are posting about... I do not want to be with women (or some men) who thrive on belittling other women, or anyone for that matter... that is why I love this world of blogs so... I have "met" so many down to earth sincere women, like yourself, who want to share and inspire... I love the diversity in blogland as well, with friends I have met from all over the world... I hope my blog inspires ladies as well... I try to make it a happy place for everyone to visit especially someone who might otherwise be having a bad day of sorts... if I can make just one person smile, I am content... looking forward to your week of posts... xoxo Julie Marie
ReplyDeleteSO true Anne...I luv this quote from the book of "Beauty from Ashes" We are all uniquely individual, so that corporately we may accomplish Gods plan and bring him glory."
ReplyDeletexox's
~Ginger
Very well said, Anne Marie. We are all unique in our own way and we have to see that with our hearts and find it in others.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
So beautiful Anne-Marie. It reminds me of a quote I learned as a child "Every man is my superior, in that I may learn from him." Every woman too :-) You teach it so well.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and your wonderful family!
Marcia
I forgot to mention, I love your music picks...I just want to stay here and listen :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. Thank you for making me step back and take a look at my attitude. I will start today to be aware of my attitude and make the appropriate changes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and for this 7-day challenge. I'm going to play along. I'm thinking about my grudges today. http://slightlycosmopolitan.com/blog/2011/04/let-it-go/
ReplyDeleteSo well said Anne Marie! Thanks for that reminder....pride is something that can really sneak into our lives. You are so right...we are only special if we are humble and give thanks to the One who has blessed us:). I will definitely be thinking and praying about this during the week:). Thank you!
ReplyDelete~Julia
What a wonderful post..in my daily work..I have learned that everyone you meet is going through something in life and if people would just stop judging and help others...You get back more then you can ever give that person.....we all hurt the same and we all want to be heard. Thanks for enlightening us today.
ReplyDeleteKelly
Anne Marie thank you for such a simple yet poignant reminder. Great words to live by!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
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ReplyDeleteWhat a Beautiful Post ! They are really Great Words!!
ReplyDeletehi Anne Marie!
ReplyDeletethanks for putting this out there...it got me to think if i am even prideful at all. i suppose i am better at some things than others, but definitely don't feel i have superior special talents. in fact i think everyone else is so much better at everything than me! (but it's okay, i can laugh about most of my shortcomings anyway) on a similar note as you, i don't like or agree with snap judgements on others and societal expectations. i think aging women should be embraced and not expected to cover our gray hair and buy expensive wrinkle creams! the idea that one should "keep up with The Joneses" makes me cringe...especially with status symbols...giant houses, fancy cars, designer clothes. i have also met so many people who may look a certain way that would be easily judged on appearance alone, to have been some of the most interesting and nicest, coolest people i have ever met! great post my friend...looking forward to more!
thank you Anne Marie for this .. I HAVE to reflect on this... i know you are right ans sometimes I am like that...i'm looking at others and i judge them from their appearance, knowing i am totally wrong in doing that... i will keep this post in my mind. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFRA
thank you Anne Marie for this .. I HAVE to reflect on this... i know you are right ans sometimes I am like that...i'm looking at others and i judge them from their appearance, knowing i am totally wrong in doing that... i will keep this post in my mind. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFRA
Such a good idea....7 days and your words Anne Marie! I am seeking a life of humility thus my blog's name.....and I agree the very hardest part of being human. Of course I can't say I have it all figured out by a long stretch. Even if I did, I guess that wouldn't be too humble. tee hee. I'm looking....watching and yes, eyes wide open to that lust thing. Can't wait to see where your wisdom and beauty takes us next! sending love!
ReplyDeleteIf we all realized that we were given our talents, gifts and powers to be used for good what a wonderful world we would live in.I had beauty for many years and did not use it wisely now I am older with age spots and a lot of extra weight and see it from this side. My new gifts were sent to teach me,humility, understanding and compassion. It is much better to learn when you are younger, you will enjoy your years much more! Great posts.
ReplyDeleteI grew up wedged between two sisters obsessed with beauty pageants resulting in me having little to no interest in superficial measurements of physical beauty. As I raised my daughter, my words of encouragement to her were about her character and always praising her beautiful spirit. It would be so wonderful if the world would do more to recognize real beauty but instead a large population focuses on "star" gazing.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. I agree absolutely that whatever we are blessed with was a gift. We weren't responsible for it. All the more reason to appreciate whatever "it" is and He who bestowed it upon us and remember we could lose "it" in a heartbeat
ReplyDeletex
i am just catching up to these posts, and all have resonated with me! this one is so true. i often read posts by "christian' bloggers and am appalled at how very judgemental and snooty they can be over these matters. i am the same, when i see someone and i 'label' them. breaks my heart:(
ReplyDeleteI struggle with pride, too. Perhaps one of the biggest pitfalls of womanhood... Another trap I fall into often is priding myself on not being concerned with appearance, home decor, abilities, etc. Sheesh! Can you think of a greater example of irony? Ugh. This was a good post.
ReplyDeletep.s. my id word below was "blesser" - just one letter away from "blessed." hmm..