I must say that this past year and a half has been a major humbling experience. Though I thought there was little pride left and that I was giving the Glory always to God; yet, there remained that thread of pride lurking within. After all, I worked 60 to 70 hours per week despite health issues at times. There was no more dedicated employee. Besides which I took care of mom. I tithed faithfully. I always stood ready to help my children. Indeed, I had helped girls from the jail to get on their feet (sometimes it seemed in vain and other less frequent times it seemed to change a life). I am the first to hand over the dinner I am carrying home to the homeless on the street. Surely, God saw all that I was doing and would bless me, so I could give more. Besides I started this ministry and am reaching forward to launch my speaking career as well. So, what happened?
photo courtesy of © istock
Everything began to crash in around me, as God ripped the last thread of pride from me. As I now very willingly begin to let go of all the former treasures with one goal in mind–simple and humble living. The more I pack in preparation for this move, the more "things" I let go of. I am humbled by all that my dear son, Alberto has done. My pride would have never asked; but he saw the need and with no questions asked, he did so much. What is God’s plan for tomorrow? I do not know; but, I trust Him fully. There is one thing I know for certain, I have been so blessed by God and His plan is the best. So, in one week from now I start the new journey He has planned for this now humbled servant. If you ever note a sound of pride in my voice or my words again, please tell me before it can again take root in my heart. The following poem I wrote this week and hope you are blessed by it.
I SAW HER STANDING ON THE STREET
I saw her standing on the street
No shoes upon her feet
Should I stop to lend a hand
It looked as she’d been beat
I did not know this stranger there
Perhaps her fault, why should I care
I really have not much myself
So how am I to share
I could tell her of the love of God
She might accept or think me odd
Yet if I gave my shoes, my food
Perhaps a smile or even nod
I saw myself within her eyes
My pride had covered up with lies
The darkness of a soul that’s lost
With things my great disguise
Until God stretched His hand to me
And I on bended knee
To find the things I once desired
Were rubbish now I see
There is no joy upon this earth
That ever will be worth
The price we pay to hold it tight
Chasing foolish mirth.
There is no treasure greater than
The gift from God’s great hand
He gave himself, His love bestowed
The Grace in which I stand
Deuteronomy 8: All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers.
2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no….
11 Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;…
17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth
Keith and Krysten Getty are perhaps my favorite songwriters and performers of this time period. Below is the link to another incredible song called A Rich Young Man (Simple Living)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX-a_ibnHB0
© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception of my own book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”