“Eating Humble Pie”

Humble is defined as “not proud: not thinking of yourself as better than other people : given or said in a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people.”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humble

To eat humble pie, in common usage, is to apologize and face humiliation for a serious error. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humble_pie

The phrase “Eat humble pie” means to “Act submissively and apologetically, especially in admitting an error.” http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/eat-humble-pie.html

Eat Humble Pie: If you eat humble pie, you admit that you are in the wrong and behave apologetically. For example: Jim had to eat humble pie after we proved that what he'd said was wrong.  Note: Some politicians are so arrogant that they won't eat humble pie even when it's clear they've made a mistake. They just say they were "misinformed".
 https://www.englishclub.com/ref/esl/Idioms/British/eat_humble_pie_59.htm

I have had my fair share of “humble pie” to eat….

Cases in Point:

#1 –  My Daddy occasionally has bouts with gout. It occurs when an excess of uric acid forms calcium deposits on joint areas. His was primarily in his big toe. It renders him temporarily unable to walk and in excruciating pain. I immediately did research about gout, its symptoms and preventative measures. One of the most consistent recommendations is to “drink plenty of water.” I think this helps level the uric acid in your body and provide relief.

Out of my other three siblings, I probably was the most vocal about this to him. “Daddy, you have got to drink more water.” He simply did not drink very much.

A year later, I am faced with health challenges. My neurologist is adamant about my drinking plenty water, targeting up to 100 ozs per day. Since this would entail frequent trips to the restroom, I simply wasn’t drinking it.

One day, Daddy & Mama visit me. Daddy asks me, “Now, are you drinking plenty of water?” What can I say? I cannot lie to my Daddy. I quietly whisper, “Not as much as I should.” He just looks at me with a slight smile and says, “Uhm…weren’t you telling me that I needed to drink more water? Yet, you are not drinking it yourself? Uhm…”

Ouch….

#2 – Circa 1993. I was the Vice-President of the Metropolitan Nashville Jaycees. It was a community service organization. Our President had a somewhat laid-back personality and leadership style. I spent his entire term frustrated with him and how he was leading our chapter. I remember vividly saying to other officers, “He should be doing this…” or “If I were President, I would…” Other officers complained about him also and were favoring me. When his term ended, I was elected President. Guess what? The areas where I was weaker, he was stronger. The Office of President had much more responsibility than I had realized. Also, the officers that were criticizing him before were now criticizing me. With as much humility and regret that I could express, I apologized to him. He kindly mentored me throughout the remainder of my term.

#3 – I have been blessed to live 48 years with no health issues whatsoever. Therefore, this diagnosis of MS was devastating to me. I went from running around everywhere to needing a cane and occasionally, a walker.

In the past, I had compassion for older people who used these. However, I would give them a quick hug and run on my way. Many would often warn me, “You’d better slow down, Little Girl.” I would laugh, give them a quick smile, and run on my way.

They have now welcomed me into what they call “The Cane Club.” J

#4 – As I mentioned earlier, never having had any health challenges led me to being assumptive and judgmental. I can hear myself saying things like, “If that were me, I would…” or “People just bring illnesses upon themselves. They need to be more responsible…” I had proclaimed myself to be a “Health Fanatic” and could never imagine myself having any health issues. And yet, here I am…

The Bible highlights this:

James 4:10 (NKJV): “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

2 Chronicles 34:27 (NKJV): “because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.”

Proverbs 11:2(NKJV): “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.”

Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV): “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

Luke 14:11 (NKJV): “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Memorable Quotes:

“Instead of putting others in their place, put yourself in their place.” - unknown

“Always use tasteful words – one day, you may have to eat them.” – unknown

“Welcome to ‘Karma Café.’ You will get served what you deserve.” – unknown

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” – unknown

“No matter how big your house is; how recent your car is; or how big your bank account is; our graves will always be the same size. Stay Humble.” – unknown

“True humility is staying teachable, no matter how much you already know.” – unknown

“Be Humble. You Could Be Wrong.” – unknown

So…I could probably lose a lot of (emotional) weight if I could limit eating a lot of Humble Pie.  J

Rubber-Stamping "God” on it…

Oftentimes, we have the mentality of food manufacturers. They label their food “All Natural,” or “Pure” to give the perception that it is healthy.

Just because you rubber-stamp or slap “God’s name” on everything does not make it holy or pleasing to Him. This is becoming more prevalent in media, society, even in worship.

I hear people at times saying, “I would cuss you out, but I’m saved.” I find it quite ironic. We cannot simply think what we want to think, say what we want to say, do what we want to do and act how we want to act…throw God’s name around …and believe that we are O.K.

God is only glorified when we are obedient to what HE authorizes. I am reminded of a message I heard many years ago:

A man had contracted with some workers to simply paint his house. They had agreed upon $1,000 to do this. The man left for the day to run errands. When he returned, he was in awe! Not only had the men painted his house, they had installed a new roof, cleared unsightly debris and had done some amazing landscaping of his front and back yards. His home had been transformed to something out of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine.

The manager for the workers went to the homeowner with an invoice for $10,000. The home owner returned it to the manager and gave him the original work order and a check for $1,000. The manager asked, “I can’t believe that you don’t like the amazing transformation we have made to your home! Surely, you can see that it is worth this increase.” The home owner humbly replied, “Yes…it is fantastic! You and your workers did an outstanding job. But, I didn't AUTHORIZE this.”

We often add into and subtract from worship things that WE decide are not as entertaining or meaningful as we would like. Even though 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NKJV) says Let all things be done decently and in order, we still feel that we should shake things up a bit...be more modern and contemporary. We believe we can behave as we want…and as long as the outcome looks great and we “rubber-stamp” God across it, it should be O.K. But, the God we serve does not work like that. In Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV), it says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

The acronym for the BIBLE is: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It can be a challenging “manual” to adhere to. 

We can continue rationalizing and justifying our actions all we want. Things like: “That was 2,000 years ago.” Or even in the words of my beloved President, “I have evolved or altered my way of thing about that issue.” We human beings may evolve…but GOD doesn’t.

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

We may want to stop “rubber-stamping God” on everything, humble ourselves and remain obedient.  ijs… (I’m just saying…)

“Who Do Men Say That I Am?”

After experiencing a beautiful weekend celebrating the marriage of my nephew to his best friend and love, it caused me to reflect on a few things. Every person who spoke of my nephew described him in a definitive, positive and loving way, as they did the same of my new niece.

The Question that came to my mind:

“How do others describe me? Is it clear, definitive, positive and consistent?”

Jesus Christ was travelling with His disciples one day. He felt compelled to ask them a question:  Mark 8:27 (NKJV): Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

I know people who are frustrated. Some because they are single, others because they are in a bad relationship, job, etc. Yet…one minute they are in church; the next minute, they are not. Sometimes they drink; sometimes they don’t. One minute, they are extremely articulate; the next minute, their speech is hard-core profanity. One moment they are in a good mood…the next minute, they are harsh and “have an attitude.” Their walk does not match their talk.

They are consumed with trying to be what they want others to think about them instead of remaining steadfast and consistently who they are. Others simply don’t know who you are.

People don’t know who to like or dislike, because you are so inconsistently and inauthentically you.

In the words of Shakespeare, “To Thine Own Self Be True.”

I recall watching the last season on the ABC TV show The Bachelorette. She is an Assistant District Attorney in Atlanta, GA. She went on a hometown visit with one of the final contestants. He was a very successful farmer from Iowa. He had an enormous farm and hoped to have his new wife be a homemaker, and future family make a home in the small town community. Although he was extremely handsome with a wonderful, kind personality, the Bachelorette could not see herself living there. I could not help but admire them both for remaining true to who they are. http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/episode-guide/season-10/09-hometown-dates

Quotes to Consider:

“I am not what has happened to me. I am who I choose to become.” – Carl Jung

“Who you are; who you were; and who you will become are three different people.” – unknown

“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who to be.” – unknown

“Be careful who you pretend to be. You might forget who you are.” – unknown

“Care about being precisely who you are than what other people think of you.” – unknown

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton

“It’s now who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not.” – unknown

The ultimate answer will not be to the question, “Who do men say I am?” : 

I should be more concerned about, “Who does GOD say I am?”

“When it Rains, It Pours…”

When everything seems to be going wrong in your life, there's one expression that you're likely to hear from friends and family: When it rains, it pours. It's that expression that allows us to say something when there's really nothing else to say. It helps us make sense of a string of bad luck. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=when+it+rains+it+pours

Dictionary.com defines it as: “When something good or bad occurs, it usually occurs more than once and often within a short period of time:” 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/when+it+rains,+it+pours

Example: You are running late for work; you get a speeding ticket; you stub your toe as you run into your office building; and your boss needs three reports due by 12 noon.

It may help if we think of this phrase in a positive way. 

It could be:  You met all GREEN traffic lights on your way to work; your favorite song is playing on the radio; a co-worker brought in your favorite donuts for the office; and your Manager announces that due to record profits, everyone is getting a profit-sharing bonus. 

We tend to think of rain as a negative thing. Actually it is necessary to replenish the Earth.  It should be something we embrace and eagerly anticipate.

The Bible helps us:

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV): Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 55:22 (NKJV): Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV): Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV): Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV):  Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Powerful Quotes:

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – unknown

“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” – Bob Marley

“Life has many ways of testing a person's will....either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.” – Paulo Coehlo

“Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” – Gilbert Chesterton

“Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be coming together.” – unknown

“Heavy rain showers remind me of challenges in life, Don't ask for a lighter rain. Instead pray for a better umbrella.” – unknown

“If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” - unknown

“When Life gives you more than you can stand, kneel.” – unknown

“This too shall pass…” - unknown

Remember: ”It’s not the fact that it’s raining; it’s how you choose to experience it. Choose to Embrace and Enjoy it.”  - Janette McGowen

 “No Longer MIKEY…”

As a Late Baby Boomer, I remember the Life Cereal commercial:

The iconic commercial centers on three brothers eating breakfast. Lying before them sits a heaping bowl of Life breakfast cereal. Two of the brothers question each other about the cereal, prodding each other to try it. Noting that it is supposed to be healthy, neither wants to try it ("I'm not gonna try it—you try it!"), so they get their brother Mikey to try it ("Let's get Mikey"), noting, "he hates everything." Mikey briefly stares at the bowl. After moments of contemplation, Mikey begins to vigorously consume the cereal before him, resulting in his brothers excitedly exclaiming, "He likes it! Hey, Mikey!" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Mikey

I have to admit, my ego loved me being consider the “Go-To Girl.” It was often said, “If you want it done professionally and done right, call on Janette McGowen.” My life was consumed with living up to that reputation.

I didn’t mind being  a “Mikey.” My fearlessness and natural curiosity are good attributes for this.

However, as I grow in age and wisdom, I noticed that people always wanted things from me…my time, commitment, resources, favors, energy, listening ear or generous heart. When I finally stopped and assessed, I realized that it was rarely reciprocated.

It is part of my DNA to seek to do GOOD.

The Bible even underscores this:

Luke 6:33-35 (NKJV):  “33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”

Memorable Quotes:

“Don’t make people a priority when all you are to them is an option.” – unknown

“What you allow is what will continue.” – unknown

“You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop and what you reinforce.” – unknown

 “Don’t let someone change who you are to become what they need.” – Brene’ Brown

“A life filled with mistakes, error and regret is much better than a ‘perfect’ one where others make choices for you.” – Brene’ Brown

“Be willing to let go of who you think you should be, in order to be who you are.” – Brene’ Brown

Bottom-line:

Minimize your need to be a “Mikey” and Just Be YOU.

“GIVE, but don’t allow yourself to be used.  LOVE, but don’t allow your heart to be abused. TRUST, but don’t be naïve. LISTEN, to others, but don’t lose your own voice.” – Brene’ Brown

“… And Justice for All…”

Most of us grew up having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. We stood, put our right hand across our hearts, and recited:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance

Justice is defined as: “the process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals; the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice

I believe that we all just fundamentally want to live under a process that is consistent and fair. However, when those who are entrusted to make sure this process is consist and fair are not transparent and appear biased, faith and trust are compromised and weakened.

We all can have perspective and opinions, but none of us know what we will do until something directly affects you.

The Bible helps us maintain clarity in issues like this. It says:

Psalm 140:12 (NKJV): “I know that the Lord will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor.”

Romans 12:19 (NKJV): Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Matthew 7:12 (NKJV): (Often called The Golden Rule) - Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

I found a graphic on Pinterest that said, “Equality Doesn’t Mean Justice.” I had always wondered what the distinction was.  This is a very profound definition.

Our current nation has become one in which the old “sense of unity” is rapidly being replaced with an “All About Me”, independent mentality.

Memorable Quotes:

“If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we all belong to each other.”

“When we know ourselves to be connected to all others, acting compassionately is the natural thing to do.” - R.N. Remen

“We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Namaste’ – “I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor he place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, we are one.”

I pray for the day when we can realize that we are one and live our days on this Earth in Unity…

Our Holy “DNA”

“Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses. DNA contains the genetic information that allows all modern living things to function, grow and reproduce.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA

“Your DNA is what makes you uniquely you. It's that double helix that your genes are made of. Your DNA accounts for why you resemble your parents and it distinguishes you from your pet frog and from everybody else.” http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/DNA

We are connected through DNA with our parents, children and relatives. It is part of our genetic make-up, the blueprint that defines who we are.

Oftentimes, we do things for others “because they are family” or our “blood relatives.” We find ourselves hurt and confused that they can say, do or act in a derogatory way with us. “Aren’t we kin?”

We may want to consider making our priority the Holy “DNA” we received from God. This is our connection to our Creator.

The Bible states:

Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Colossians 1:16-17 (NKJV): “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

Genesis 1:26 (NKJV): “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV): “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV): “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.”

Psalm 139:14 (NKJV): “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

Quotes to Consider:

 “Life is not about finding yourself. It’s about discovering who God created you to be.” – unknown

“We are not ‘accidents’ of nature. We are creations of God’s hand.” – unknown

Although I love family and consider them very important, they should never take #1 priority…that place is reserved for GOD.