The Zimbabwean Woman

Photo by Robin Malherbe 

She is an old lady, divorced. Her frail body bears the signs of a cruel past. Yet her smile and soft eyes speak of a present confidence, a quiet calm, a deep trust. By western standards, she has little to give.

She is a young woman with a confident past. Schooled. Bright. Her body hides the signs of a tenderly tough life. Her gentleness hides the ugliness of a bitter heart. According to western standards, she has so much to give.

And when their worlds collided, outside comfort and convenience, one lady gave all that she had and another turned away from accepting such a meager gift.

Some would call it "pity" to refuse a gift given by someone with less than oneself, but I call it pride. 

I have come to realize that pride is not always personified as "that beetch" or "the bull in the china shop"- bombastic and loud and annoying- but often times, pride is beautified in "seeming innocence", in the "subtle concern", in sweetness and smiles... and occasionally through tears too. 

As believers we can become masters at hiding pride behind angelic looks and christian jargon. 

I know. Because, much more than being overbearing and bossy, I can so easily become that 'bright, sweet, kind but no-thank-you' young woman.

How does pride reveal itself in your life?

Thankfully, there is a cure for the disease of 'pretty' pride: SURRENDER.

Surrendering my heart to Jesus. And allowing Him to show me where I need to make the adjustments so that I can remain in His ways everlasting.

Psa 139:23-24  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! 

Little side-note:

Perhaps one of the reasons why God loved King David so much was that he truly desired to live a life surrendered to God. Did he miss it at times? Sure. Did he sin? Yes. The worst kind- adultery and murder! 

This is good news. God is far more interested in our hearts and our humility than in our performance. If you missed it. If you have sinned, then SURRENDER... 

David's heart was open, soft, surrendered, so that God could teach and train and show him the way in which he should go. David lived a life of repentance and reliance on God. That is what counts. Not perfection. Because perfect performance is the seedbed for pride. Knowing our imperfect"ness" AND surrendering is what keeps our hearts tender for God to do His transforming work.

(p.s. don't get me wrong, there is consequence for sin and David knows that all too well...)