I don’t know if anyone else read these books as a child or still remembers them, but the Let’s Talk About books by Joy Berry were always a favorite of mine. It’s funny how I remembered these, because I feel like daily something will happen and God lays a new book in front of me. The usuals: Let’s talk about forgiveness, Let’s talk about listening, and recently, Let’s talk about taking a shower cause you smell so bad. But today a new book has been laid in front of me, and it’s one I wasn’t sure I would ever see; Let’s talk about pride. Yes, pride. Maybe for some of you, this book seems like an obvious one I should face, but for me, I wouldn’t necessarily call myself proud. Lately though, I have realized a new level of pride. When the woman on the bus sitting behind you is crying, and you want to ignore it cause you’re embarrassed to ask if she’s alright, that’s pride. That’s putting yourself and your sense of dignity above someone else’s. I know it may seem trite, but this has been a big stumbling block for me. I tend to not want to ask if I can help or if someone is okay, because I’m embarrassed. I’m uncomfortable with the discussion I may be opening up, and unsure if I will have the right words to say. I sat on the bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap hearing a girl cry for an hour before I finally got over myself and asked if she was okay. But in these moments I’m wrong; I may feel uncomfortable, but God calls us out of our own comfort to do his work and I have probably missed out on many ministry opportunities, because I was too proud to open that door. But now I know, and now I am responsible. Now I hope that the next time I hear someone crying, I won’t need an hour to get over myself, but will be able to jump right in. Because this is what the World Race is about; placing you with people who make you accountable and help turn your weaknesses into your strengths, and this is why I’m here!
