EATING DIRT

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey Your word. You are good, and what You do is good; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:67-68

Humility is a good thing, but sometimes it’s hard. In fact, the word “humility” comes from the Latin word for “ground.” Being humble can often mean “being brought back down to earth.” Humility is a trait that every Christian should be willing to work towards, and we must do it in a way that honors God. We must know in our heart that we are not perfect, and we do get it wrong sometimes. It hurts when we finally realize we needed humility by looking in that rear view mirror!

Paul’s letter to the Philippians tells us to “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Paul describes Christ this way: “though He was in the form of God, (He) did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (vs. 6-7). So any time we begin to think we’ve got life completely handled…well, think again! Jesus Himself knew humility.

Proverbs 22:4 states that “The reward for humility and fear (or awe) of the Lord is riches and honor in life.” But being humble is not a “get rich quick scheme.” What God counts as riches may not be measured in monetary wealth! Here, “riches” are paired with “honor,” which is a good indication that the meaning here is abundance of God’s blessings, not winning the house in Las Vegas. Another clue comes from Colossians 3:12: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” Things coupled with humility are looking a lot like the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

When I was younger, I was a percussionist in a traveling road show that played some decent venues in Nevada, California, and other western states. The circuit was a plethora of egos and lofty aspirations. But the average of all professional musicians’ earnings is less than $50,000 annually, and 90% of all artists never get “discovered” or “make it big.” Just a short life lesson: humility will keep you…, well humble.

Lord, help us stay humble so that You may exalt us! Amen

Meg Blaine Corrigan is the author of four books: Then I Am Strong: Moving From My Mother’s Daughter to God’s Child; Perils of a Polynesian Percussionist; Saints With Slingshots: Daily Devotions for the Slightly Tarnished But Perpetually Forgiven Christian, and a second edition of Saints With Slingshots. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of New Mexico and has over thirty years’ experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, war veterans, and other trauma survivors.  Her books may be purchased through her website, www.MegCorrigan.com or from www.amazon.com .

BEAUTIFUL FEET

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

Every time I read this passage from Isaiah, I think about my poor, sore, ugly feet! I’ve been flat footed all my life. A podiatrist once took one look at my feet and said, “Yowzer,” which I’m pretty sure is not a medical term. As I have aged, I’ve developed both arthritis and neuropathy in both feet, causing my toes to become crooked and surprising me with sharp, shooting pains in the middle of the night. The condition has been so painful at times, I’ve cut strips of over-the-counter Lidocaine-infused pain pads and taped them to my feet so I could (sort of) sleep. A neurologist got involved and tried several medications, increasing the dosage when I indicated they weren’t helping. Once, my body must have reached critical mass and I had a horrible reaction, with extreme anxiety, dizziness, blurred vision and uncontrollable crying. I called the doctor and she talked me off the ledge. Well, actually, she estimated how long the reaction might take to abate and then left me on my own on the ledge. Anyone who has experienced foot neuropathy knows it is no picnic.

I realize that Isaiah’s reference to “beautiful feet” carrying God’s message of love, peace and salvation is a metaphorical one. I have a dear neighbor who works tirelessly, delivering free food to homeless encampments throughout the Twin Cities and working at several shelters. I could never keep up with her. But I “deliver” God’s message in my writing, my speaking engagements, and in planning committees at our church. I have also played percussion (sitting down, thankfully) for our church’s contemporary worship band for many years. So it’s not necessary that I have “beautiful feet” that carry me far and wide to do God’s work. The Lord calls on each of us to share our individual gifts, whatever those gifts may be. If we become unable to share certain gifts, God will show us new ways to serve Him. And when we finally can do no more, He tells us to rest and reflect.

Jesus, we pray that we can “with one mind and one voice…glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:5-6). Amen

Meg Blaine Corrigan is the author of four books: Then I Am Strong: Moving From My Mother’s Daughter to God’s Child; Perils of a Polynesian Percussionist; Saints With Slingshots: Daily Devotions for the Slightly Tarnished But Perpetually Forgiven Christian, and a second edition of Saints With Slingshots. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of New Mexico and has over thirty years’ experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, war veterans, and other trauma survivors.  Her books may be purchased through her website, www.MegCorrigan.com or from www.amazon.com .