This post may not make sense to some people but I need to get this off my chest.
Lately, in connection with my job search, I've been thinking a lot about humility. It's a lost art, I believe. First of all, I need to say that there are some overly meek, wimpy people who never stand up for themselves or defend their point. I don't call that humble. Secondly, and what is really sticking in my craw, are the OBVIOUSLY "not humble" people I encounter. You know the type, the gal who talks so much about herself that you can't get a word in edgewise. I call this person the "raiders of the lost ark" talker because it seems that they are afraid that if they stop talking, the huge ball rolling down the hill will crush them! OR, this could be the type who constantly slip in names of people they know, things they have done, or places they have been. This doubles in annoyance when it is in combination with the first type! It triples in craw-sticking-ability when the braggadocio statements come in the guise of good deeds (a faux-humility, if you ask me!) And... another sub-category here is the all-out braggart, not the least bit shy about verbally detailing all his wonderful deeds.
Another side of "humility" that gives me pause... just happens to be me. I began to give serious thought to the subject of humility when I applied for several jobs over the course of the past 12 years. After having worked in one successful leadership position (ministry) for 17 years, I had not had to "put myself" out there--or make myself known in a long time. It shocked me to see and hear what other applicants said about themselves. I could not, just could not, brag in that way, so proud and puffed up. In my naiveté, I could not see how any employer would want such a braggart on her team. What added to my confusion was my own husband telling me (as encouragement before an interview), "... don't be so humble." It appears that humility has little value and that, no matter how qualified you may be, if you aren't willing to gloat about yourself and push to be heard, you won't be noticed, won't get the job.
It's funny--the things that stick in your mind from your childhood. Many years ago, in the 1960's and 70's, my family loved to watch the annual Miss America pageant (the pageants were different then, in the days before feminist movements and women's liberation, and they enjoyed popularity and a strong following). The pageant finalists were brought on stage, one-at-a-time, to pick an admirable trait or quality from a stack of words and, then, to discuss that trait. I will never forget my saint-of-a-mother saying that she wished the contestants had the word, "humility," that that was her favorite quality. My mother was a stay-at-home Mom and I loved (love) her dearly but I am ashamed to say that, in my younger years, I did not think she was very "with it," not "up on the times," she was not keeping up or progressing. Now, as a wizened mother and grandmother, I understand what she meant regarding humility and I better understand the choices she made for herself, and for us. "Humble, lovingly humble," are words that best describe my mother and, as I have said in an earlier post, I would like to be more like my mother, who is like Jesus.
Humble yourself in the sight of the LORD and he will lift you up. (James 4:10) is just one of many Bible verses of God's love for humble people and His disdain for the proud. Even Christ, our Messiah and LORD, humbled himself and died on a cross (Phil.2:8).
So,
will I ever find a job? I will trust the LORD to not let humility get
in the way, to give me wisdom in all things, and to count this time in my life as
joy.
I've rambled around a subject that confuses me but, hey, I feel better.
