Relearning & Rethinking

I have had a problem with the words humble or humility.  I have hated those words and any derivative of them.

Like.  I really hated them.

I am discovering that for some time I may have held tight to a misunderstanding of its meaning and one that I found to be oppressive, false and unattractive.

Recently, I was listening to Daniel Bean’s podcast on the virtue of humility.  Her podcast covers a wide variety of topics, but each month she picks one virtue to delve deeper into and grow in.

She defined humility in a way that I had never heard.  She defined humility as knowing yourself.  And listen. That hit a little different.  It deeply resonated with me. I found her definition a breath of fresh air and one that I was curious about.

Let’s take a quick peek into the evolution of my definition of humility:

Where it started –

Definition:

Humility:  Keeping a spotlight on one’s faults, failures and weaknesses to keep one’s pride in check.

Belief:

Truly humble people: Often boast about the various virtuous activities they partake in.   

Where its headed:

Definition:

Humility:  Knowing your strengths, gifts and talents along with your weaknesses and faults. 

Belief:

Truly humble people:  Are often genuine, confident and honest

Dear reader, I have only dipped my toes into this new idea of humility.  While it is easy to find pride unattractive it has been very difficult for me to find humility attractive.  It seems, though, that I have associated it with poor examples, ideas and an incorrect definition. 

On paper, it seems there may be some immense benefits. I am hoping to delve deeper into exploring it.  Would you like to join me? 

Until next time,

Jennifer

A few questions for reflection:

What is my definition of humility?

Do I see virtue as something to be practiced?

What virtues in others do I find attractive? Why?

What is my strongest virtue?  Weakest?