Humility


Her "fiat"

Humility is the foundation of our spiritual journey in life.

So, lets focus on the journey and begin our exploration of humility, an essential virtue that lies at the heart of a life lived in accordance with God's will. 

Here this marks the start of our journey into understanding to the best of our ability a quality so central to the teachings of Christ.

However, Mary lived her entire life according to God's will, starting with her "fiat" "Let it be done to me according to your word" at the Annunciation.

Why is Humility Important?

WC Seeds 03 Humility

Humility is a powerful virtue that can lead to inner peace and spiritual growth. By recognizing our limitations, we learn to rely on God's strength, allowing us to see the divine in every circumstance.

I believe that God grants us the gift of humility when we acknowledge our need for Him in all aspects of life. When God is not at the forefront of our minds, we may mistakenly believe we are in control, allowing pride to overshadow our reliance on Him.

Pride can be a significant barrier to embracing humility. However, God's goodness often provides us with opportunities to humble ourselves. By courageously reflecting on both our strengths and weaknesses, we can experience exponential growth on our spiritual journey.

Mary's Source of Strength

Mary's humility gave her the strength to endure challenges and uncertainties. Her willingness to serve and trust in God, despite her fears, showcases how humility can empower us to face life's difficulties.

She teaches us that true strength lies in our ability to rely on God and to put others before ourselves.

Strengths and Weaknesses

While humility is a strength, it is essential to recognize that we all have weaknesses. Sometimes, pride can creep in, making us think we can handle everything on our own.

However, embracing humility allows us to acknowledge our weaknesses and seek help from God and others.

Damaging Effects of Pride

Pride, when unchecked, can have harmful consequences. It may lead people to overestimate their abilities or dismiss the contributions of others, creating barriers to collaboration and understanding.

Excessive pride often breeds arrogance and a sense of superiority, which can alienate friends, family, and colleagues. It can also prevent individuals from admitting mistakes or seeking help, slowing personal growth and progress.

Ultimately, pride can distort judgment and hinder meaningful connections, leaving behind a trail of missed opportunities and strained relationships. Embracing humility can counteract these negative effects, fostering openness and mutual respect.


Introspection on Humility

  • How can you celebrate someone else's achievement today?
  • What is one mistake you've learned from recently?
  • When was the last time you prioritized someone else's needs over your own, and how did it feel?
  • Can you recall a moment when admitting a mistake opened the door to learning something valuable?
  • What is a skill or area of knowledge you want to improve in, and how can you stay humble about it?
  • When was the last time you felt the urge to compare yourself to others? How can you redirect that energy toward self-improvement?
  • How do you ensure that your own successes don't overshadow your appreciation for others?
  • Humility in Personal Growth

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    Openness to Learning and Growth 📚
    Humility helps us recognize that we don’t have all the answers. When we admit our limitations, we become open to new ideas and insights. This mindset encourages continuous learning and personal growth.

    Compassion and Empathy ❤️
    Being humble allows us to appreciate the people around us—our friends, family, and neighbors. When we practice compassion and empathy, we develop stronger connections and show genuine support to others.

    Letting Go of Ego 🙌
    Pride can often cloud our judgment and lead to arrogance. Humility teaches us to let go of our ego, helping us approach life with gratitude. This shift can lead to a more peaceful existence, free from the constant need for validation.

    Enhancing Inner Peace ☮️
    Constantly comparing ourselves to others can be exhausting. Humility helps us focus less on external judgments and more on our own sense of contentment. This inner peace allows us to feel more tranquil and satisfied with who we are.

    Strengthening Relationships 🤝
    Humility fosters mutual respect in our relationships. When we listen to others and show empathy, we create deeper connections and understanding.

    Aligning with Higher Principles
    Practicing humility shows our willingness to follow spiritual guidance and live by our values. This alignment gives our lives a greater sense of purpose and direction.

    Encouraging Service 🙏
    Serving others can bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. Getting involved in church ministries is a great way to start. These tasks are often simple and don’t require much time. Volunteering just once a month can make a big difference and help us grow spiritually.

    Wow, these 7 Why's can be big ASK's. My approach is one at a time, and I find I already have some attributes of each. Some areas need more work than others. The key is being honest with yourself and remembering you're not alone. God will guide us to learn.

    Humility has been a transformative force in my life. Recognizing my limitations and my need for God has opened my heart to a deeper sense of peace and spiritual growth. I've learned that relying on His strength, rather than my own, allows me to see the divine in every aspect of life.

    It's not always easy to put pride aside, but I've come to understand that true humility requires courage and self-reflection. Through this journey, I've found that humility isn't about feeling less of myself, but about understanding and embracing my place in God's plan. It's a continuous process, but one that brings immense joy and fulfillment.

    Share Your Story of Mustard Seed Faith 🌱

    Have you ever experienced a moment when a small act of faith made a big difference in your life? We believe that even the tiniest seeds of faith can grow into something extraordinary! Read my personal story there called "Embracing Humility in Difficult Times"

    We invite you to share your story or favorite quote on our page Mustard Seed Faith. Whether it’s a personal experience that transformed your outlook, a lesson learned through challenges, or an inspiring quote that resonates with your journey, your voice matters!

    Why Share?

    • Inspire Others: Your story could encourage someone else who is struggling to believe in the power of faith.
    • Build Community: Join a growing community of individuals who are embracing their faith journeys together.
    • Celebrate Growth: Reflect on your own experiences and see how far you’ve come.

    How to Share:

    • Submit Your Story: Write a brief account of your experience with Mustard Seed Faith.
    • Share a Quote: If you have a favorite quote that embodies this concept, we’d love to hear it!

    Click the link below to share your insights and be part of our inspiring collection of stories. Together, we can cultivate a garden of faith that flourishes!  MUSTARD SEED FAITH - COMMUNITY TALKS!

    Where to Start to Cultivate Humility in Spiritual Practice

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    WC Journals 01
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    Spend time reflecting on your actions and motivations. 

    Consider how you can approach a situation either with others or a work issue with more humility

    Try to shift your focus from yourself.

    Express gratitude for others in your life and around you. It could be a passing smile at another.

    Humility Tips...

    • Practice Mindfulness - Be present not only to yourself but when you are with others.
    • Admit when you're wrong - This takes courage but is so rewarding in spiritual growth and health.
    • Seeking feedback - Most people find constructive criticism very difficult, but this is an opportunity to see yourself from a different perspective.
    • Expressing Gratitude - This can be done anywhere, any time to acknowledge the contributions of others in your life.
    • Be a lifelong learner - Stay open to the idea there is always more to learn.
    • Let go of comparison - Try to resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Focus on your own values.
    • Focus on listening - After a heated conversation, ask yourself do you even remember what the other person said?
    • Celebrate other's successes - Take joy in achievements of those around you.

    Practice mindfulness to become more aware of your thoughts and behaviors. 

    Sitting in quiet meditation will quiet the mind of daily thoughts and bring you to present awareness. 

    Engaging in volunteer work or other acts of service. Help homeless shelters or as simple as your neighbor.

    Serving others can remind you of the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of humility.

    This is my favorite suggestions, seek guidance through prayer. Spiritual books on the saints who have ventured this avenue.

    Learning through others can provide valuable insights and support

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