Today’s readings encourage humility—a virtue that the biggest man I’ve ever known possessed in spades. Standing at 6'5", my children’s beloved Pop never sought to take up too much space. His towering stature was only matched by the size of his big heart.
Pop died of an unexpected heart attack six years ago; today would have marked his 74th birthday. Pop was quietly brilliant and imparted esoteric knowledge about myriad subjects—from bug identification to obscure poets. His socks rarely matched, and he never made a fortune. He loved good books and the outdoors. Most of all, he loved his family. In fact, the only showy thing about him was how excessively he loved us all. So today, in his honor, my kids, husband and I will serve up a slice of humble (if you will) key lime pie—Pop’s favorite—and remember a man who lived simply but loved extravagantly.
God bless Pops he’s the real deal, and all God’s people said AYMEN!
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Beautiful devotion to your 'Pops' Kate. I feel I know him already. Just got back from the land of key lime pie, Florida. I too, am the lover of a good one. Tried them at every restaurant we went to. Prayers to those in need this week.
God bless you & your family!!
*** What did James say about not being humble looks like? Jame 4:2-4, "You want something, but you don’t have it. So you kill. You want what others have, but you can’t get what you want. So you argue and fight. You don’t have what you want, because you don’t ask God. When you do ask for something, you don’t receive it. That’s because you ask for the wrong reason. You want to spend your money on your sinful pleasures. You are not faithful to God. Don’t you know that to be a friend of the world is to hate God? So anyone who chooses to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy!" *** What did James say about being humble looks like? James 4:7-10, "So obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners. Make your hearts pure, you who can’t make up your minds. Be full of sorrow. Cry and weep. Change your laughter to mourning. Change your joy to sadness. Be humble in front of the Lord. And he will lift you up!" *** What did James say about our ability to be humble? James 4:5-6, "Don’t you know what Scripture says? God wants the Spirit in us to belong only to Him. God caused this Spirit to live in us. Don’t you think Scripture has a reason for saying this? But God continues to give us more grace. That’s why Scripture says, “God opposes those who are proud. But He gives grace to those who are humble.” (Proverbs 3:34)" ******* Being humble means complete and total faithfulness to the One and only God! Being not humble means distracted by the world and desires! *** Being humble in Matthew 26:39, "He (Jesus) went a little farther. Then He fell with His face to the ground. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering away from Me. But let what You want be done, not what I want.” *** Being humble in Ephesians 4:12-13, "I (Paul) know what it’s like not to have what I need. I also know what it’s like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough. I can do all this by the power of Christ. He gives me strength!" *** Being humble in 1 Peter 5:5-7, "In the same way, I’m speaking to you who are younger. Follow the lead of those who are older. All of you, put on a spirit free of pride toward one another. Put it on as if it were your clothes. Do this because Scripture says, “God opposes those who are proud. But He gives grace to those who are humble.” (Proverbs 3:34) So make yourselves humble. Put yourselves under God’s mighty hand. Then He will honor you at the right time. Turn all your worries over to Him. He cares about you!" ******* Being humble means to submit to God's plan not ours, to be content in all circumstances, to turn over all your worries and stay strong in the Lord at all times!!! 1 Peter 5:8-11, "Be watchful and control yourselves. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to swallow up. Stand up to him. Remain strong in what you believe. You know that you are not alone in your suffering. The family of believers throughout the world is going through the same thing. God always gives you all the grace you need. So you will only have to suffer for a little while. Then God Himself will build you up again. He will make you strong and steady. And He has chosen you to share in His eternal glory because you belong to Christ. Give Him the power for ever and ever. Amen!"
Same with me, Rusty ✝️ Pride and self- reliance are the first things to go :-) They tend to creep back in from time to time :-( He has given you a new heart as He did with me in Ezekiel 36:24-32 ♥️✝️♥️
Salina, those are powerful words from Scripture. God had to let me hit rock bottom and lose so much before I realized the joy of having a humble heart and sacrificial love.
My dad would have been 100 this past Sunday. He was also a very humble man. I on the other hand spent most of my life being a boy, husband, man, and dad of self. As I reflected on my life I realized I had a false idol of significance. I attributed this to being shy, introverted, bullied, and not relying on God for my significance and self-esteem. My daughter who for now has cut me from her life, enjoys taking popular secular songs changing the lyrics, and turning them into Christian parodies. One such song is Part of Your World from the movie The Little Mermaid. I listened to her version hundreds of times last year but never understood how it applied to me until it was too late. Below are the open and closing phrases from her version. Look at these lights, aren’t they so bright? Wouldn’t you think that the stage is my life? Wouldn’t you think I’m the (girl) guy, the guy who says. “Look at ME!” Isn’t he great! Isn’t he grand! I want to trust more in his plan. I want less of me I want to be, Part of HIS world. Now that I am part of HIS world, I pray she will open her heart and allow me to be part of Her world again.
Happy Heavenly 100th Birthday to your Dad, Rusty! Just remember that you’re leaving your heart open for your daughter,( which is huge.) My prayer is that you and your daughter will mend your relationship. Be good to yourself and know that you’re deeply loved by Our Lord and this community.
Oh my goodness Kate! Your reflection about your Pop filled my heart with joy! And what a lasting legacy he left with you and your family. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Pop!
Kate...Your Reflection today made my heart smile out loud! What a legacy Pop has left your family! Enjoy the Key Lime Pie!
AMEN!
Amen. :)
Kate that is a beautiful tribute to your Pops and the power of love. I was recently reminded of it again when I read, “After you are gone people might not always remember what you said or what you did but they will always remember how you made them feel.” Pops left your family feeling abundantly loved and that is a blessing to be treasured always.
Anne, that's perfect!
May Pops rest in peace Amen :)
Kate That is a beautiful tribute to your Pops May he rest in peace
Kate, what a wonderful Pops to have had.... may his soul forever Rest in Peace
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Thanks to everyone for their prayers and kind words. My 19 YO made the most delicious key lime pie, and we all wished Pop a very happy birthday.