I love the word "humility". I have spoken it, reflected upon it, meditated with it, and practiced it for most of my life. More importantly, I realize it is not a “one and done” but a direction to go in for the rest of my life. I remember a defining moment when I was very young, hearing the word “humiliated” and noticing how upset someone was by it. I decided to look up the word to see if I could understand what was happening.
Here’s what Webster says:
Definition of humility
Freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble. “accepted the honor with humility. The ordeal taught her humility.”
Synonyms
Demureness, down-to-earthness, humbleness, lowliness, meekness, modesty
Antonyms
Arrogance, assumption, conceit, egoism, haughtiness, huffiness, loftiness, lordliness, pompousness, presumptuousness, pretentiousness, pride, superiority
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“It’s easier being nobody in particular, than to stress trying to be a somebody else.”
— Martha Creek
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Etymology
From Late Latin humiliatus, past participle of humiliare (“to abase, humble”), from Latin humilis (“lowly, humble”), from humus (“ground; earth, soil”); see humble.
Adjective
Having or showing a modest estimate of one's own importance.
Similar: meek, deferential, respectful, submissive, self-effacing, unassertive, unpresuming, modest, unassuming, self-deprecating, free from vanity, resistless
Opposite: proud, overbearing
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“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.”
— Rick Warren
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WHEW! Right! An “in my face” reminder to continue in my devotion, in action for integrating this practice for all the days of my life. I accept it is not an event, but a process.
Practicing humility is important for me and maybe for you -- while we may have a greater understanding in some areas, others will always be able to teach us something. Perhaps this is enough to remember -- be less of an “I know” person, and more of an “inform me” stance.
The notion of humility as a virtue brings numerous images to mind. We tend to envision those rare individuals who humbly bear life's struggles while downplaying their own strengths. Yet humility is also associated with people whose insecurities compel them to judge themselves harshly and unfavorably as a matter of course.
The true definition of humility, however, does not correspond precisely with either of these images. Humility is not passivity. Rather, it is an utter lack of self-importance. The individuals who embody the concept of humility appreciate that each human being on the planet occupies a unique place on an infinite spectrum of development. Though they can take pride in their own accomplishments, they also understand that the people they interact with each day are as valuable and have as much to offer the world as they themselves do.
Recognizing these insights is a matter of opening ourselves to the fact that not only do others think and feel differently, but their life experiences have shaped them in a very different way than ours have shaped us. And that very powerful diversity of life experience can inform us all — if we listen, that is...
Humility, simply put, is a form of balance in which I/we can celebrate our own worth, while sincerely believing that every other person on the planet is just as worthy. PERIOD. Godspeed as we continue in this noble direction.
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Thank you in advance for your support for the new book launch. Your support of the past decade and beyond made it possible. It is a compilation of some of the favorite newsletter topics that someone gathered together to bless readers. I am beyond humbled by the whole notion. |
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Happy Father's Day. Love you humbly, |
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Martha Creek
502-905-0783
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Book Launch Team Alert!!! |
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Welcome to the Launch Team (also called Advanced Readers)!
Hi friends. If you want to be of support in the launching of the “book”, please jump in here with me with prayers, love, fervor for TRUTH. I appreciate you with love wholeheartedly. IF this is NOT in your space, time, or interest, please disregard. Shamelessly, Martha...
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ONE ACTION STEP TODAY:
Read the latest version of the book here now:
(you don't have to read it all, see below)
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Launch Team Responsibilities: |
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Here's a quick list of what's to come, but I'll make sure to send detailed instructions as we go along. For now, focus on the ONE ACTION STEP above. The rest comes in time.
- Start reading/skimming the PDF. (TODAY)
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Prepare your review (doesn't have to be long) by taking notes or thinking about. Nothing to submit yet. SUBMIT WHEN DIRECTED via email.
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Purchase/download book (free or discounted) on June 1st on Amazon when the next email comes directing this.
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Download and scroll through at least half of the book on your reader/app. on 6/1. INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW.
- Post your review on Amazon by 6/4. YOU DON'T HAVE TO FINISH THE BOOK, and you can always alter your review later if you feel you need to. It can as short as a few words and up to a few paragraphs, length doesn't matter. What matters is having the review posted on Amazon to increase visibility!
- On our launch date 6/6, we'll send you the link to share with everyone you can (social networks, newsletter, email, friends) to help in this promotion.
That's it! Once the print version is out, you can order a print copy or request a signed one from the author. However, your participation in the pre-launch and launch is vital for this book's success!
Thanks!
-Michael (book production expert) and Martha (author)
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If you are working on a book yourself and need some guidance or help, please reach out to Michael at michael@michaellacey.me . Thanks!
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“If you aren't humble, whatever empathy you claim is false and probably results from some arrogance or the desire to control. But true empathy is rooted in humility and the understanding that there are many people with as much to contribute in life as you.”
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“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real.”
— Thomas Merton
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“Bitterness keeps you from flying.”
— Tim McGraw
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My June 2021 Special Gift for You! |
And here is my special gift to you this month.
Click on the box to open your gift.
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Good Grief!
Tsunami of Grief — The Way Through
I’m facilitating a grief processing course during June on Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm Eastern Time. It seems we are in a tsunami of grief, even if we’re blocked or unconscious of it. If you could use some support, love, understanding, or want to be a space holder for humanity grieving, join in.
You are not alone in the loss, shock, despair, doubt, confusion, and grief of life's losses and changes. Join a wholehearted group for new insights into our human-heartedness.
Classes feature first-class Musicians, Authors, and certified Grief Specialists, End of Life Doulas, and wholehearted support for all levels and depths of grief, conscious and unconscious. (click here for details.)
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Ongoing Class Offerings and Upcoming events for 2021!
I am so excited to share these ongoing online class offerings for 2021 (click on the name of the class for details):
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Universal Christ — January through September 2021 (meets monthly every second Monday on Zoom)
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Mentoring Moments with Martha
Please enjoy these recent interviews with some of my very special friends.
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Mentoring Moments with Martha — Rev. Ric Beattie. Click here to watch the video.
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Mentoring Moments with Martha — Ron Holdaway. Click here to watch the video.
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Please consider a donation to continue the teachings of Martha Creek. Many of the classes and workshops are offered by donations only, with suggested donations amounts included in the class or workshop description. We welcome your support. |
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You do not need a Paypal account to make a donation. You can use your debit or credit via PayPal if you don't have a Paypal account. If you choose to send a check, please send it payable to Martha Creek and send it to PO Box 1081, Louisville KY 40201.
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