Guest Author - Linda J. Paul

What does the word humility mean to you? Is humility the same thing as being humble? Then what does having humility and being humble entail?

I try to practice humility. But, I find it a very difficult undertaking at times. I believe that practicing humility and being humble means listening carefully to what someone is saying, and reacting to their words from the heart and not the ego.

As a Unitarian Universalist and a Community Minister, I find myself in situations on a daily basis in which it would so easy to say "If you had listened," or "I told you so." But, then I think about the first principle of Unitarian Universalism, which is "To honor and respect the inherent dignity and worth of every human being."

The words honor, respect and dignity, go well with the practice of humility and the act of being humble. It does not say anywhere in that first principle that honor and respect apply only to those who share the same belief system as I do. It says every human.. not just some humans.

Forgiveness plays a big part in the practice of humility. Acknowledging that you have wronged or hurt someone else and offering a humble apology is a true act of unselfish love. To allow someone else to forgive you is an opportunity to practice spiritual grace.

When someone comes to me for advice or comfort, I never ask them what faith they have chosen to follow. In my position in the community, I deal with many homeless people, who don't care what denomination I follow. They need help and they know that I will do everything in my power to find them the help they need. Sometimes the need to eat, have shelter and warm clothing supercedes the need to be told that prayer is the only answer.

When I look into the faces of those who have weathered the storms of life.. literally.. I see a humility there that is astounding. When I see a homeless person offer a blanket to someone who is worse off, I see an act of grace. And, when I hear the softly spoken "bless you", when I pass out hot meals on cold winter days, I witness the action of being humble.

I think that sometimes we get so wrapped up in the ego of who we are, we forget that love, compassion, and humility are non-denominational. They are the bonds that tie us together as humankind. And they are the most sacred bonds of all.