Leafless

Nakey. Stark nude. Strutting around in the middle of a crowded square in the buff with the pride of a peacock. Everyone knows he’s baring all… everyone it seems except for the king who’s decided to greet his subjects, leafless and in his birthday suit. The king’s pride has made him a fool. He’s been told by two crafty tailors that he’s wearing the finest clothing ever made and only truly resplendent, wise and important people can see the fine material… but the king was prideful and refused to admit that he too could not see this magical material! This is old tale of, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. It’s Ella’s favorite story. When I read it to her, her sweet laughter fills the room. This may be a children’s story, but it tells many truths. One of the most obvious is: pride makes fools of us all.

This is where I am an expert! Which is odd because it’s nothing to be proud of… you see, I don’t like to be wrong. I hate it. And it happens all the time… in fact, I’ve learned that the times when I’m embarrassed the most are usually attributed to my attempts to be wrong the least. Pride will often stunt us spiritually, emotionally and relationally. But there is a cure. Humility. In fact, I’m the most humble person I know! That is an ironic joke of course… but there is something refreshing to see humility. There’s no trying to save face, no icing to put on it or cherry for the top. Those are the times when we have the chance to grow the most. We’ve all had times where we were made naked by pride.

…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5

May we continue to be a community that does not allow ourselves to become prideful in our relationships, in our spiritual growth, in our emotions, in our intellect or in our bodies. Let us encourage each other in humility. Let us lean on each other for support. Let us be open to receive help. Let us be open with each other in our brokenness. Let us share our celebrations.

So carry an extra fig leaf, you never know who may be “au natural”!

-Pete