Pride

Every Sunday I watch people proceed in a long line when my church announces the altar call. Each person patiently awaits his/her turn to pray with a prayer partner. On occasion, thoughts cross my mind on why they choose to line up. What are their needs? Do they believe in miracles? Will they encounter a life changing moment by praying with a prayer partner? What crosses my mind even more is why I choose to avoid that line. Am I stronger than they are? Perhaps my needs are just not as important as theirs.

The prayer line at my church reminds me of my past. As a teenager, my parents and I would stand in line for government handouts. The "give away" cheese, butter, dry milk, and other goods were life savers growing up. The cheese was the best and my mom made the best recipes from these goods! I can still taste that yummy cheese!!!

My memories of standing line for cheese made me realize the pride I have. I suppose I avoid that altar call because of my independence and pride. Countless times my pride has kept me from asking for help. Not just in prayer but in many other situations. I shield myself from asking others for what I need or what I would like. I fear the rejection, disappointment, and shame for not feeling worthy or important enough.

As a child, I was taught to accept just what you got and be deserving of it. There was a bit of guilt and shame in asking for what you wanted. There were a lot of struggles in my childhood. Many times my family had to rely on others when we needed transportation, money, or help in other ways. At times I felt discouraged and disappointed because people were not able or willing to help. I realized that people are not perfect. They will disappoint you. They will let you down or choose not to help. I saw the struggles my parents endured during these times. Subconsciously, I was determined to never have to stand in line or rely on others to meet my needs.

My independence has helped me accomplish many goals in my life. This determination has got me where I am today. Unfortunately, it has also handicapped me from having healthy relationships and friendships. I tend to find needy people who “need” to be rescued. I find myself getting “used” at times then end up feeling bitter about it. I tend to never ask for what I need or want in relationships. I never want to show my weakness. I want to be strong enough.

Standing in those long lines for cheese also taught me the limitations that mankind has. Those government handouts unfortunately were limited to the number of people in a household. To avoid this, my mom would have my dad and I stand separate from her so that we could get more items. Thankfully God's answers to our prayers are not limited in this way. We can’t manipulate Him to get more than our share but it’s ok to ask to Him for what we want or need.

God is showing me that I can ask for what I want. It is ok to show my weakness. There is no shame in asking Him for I am worthy of His love. Perhaps I will be in that prayer line this Sunday when they announce the altar call.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:13

 

KY Pride

The older I get the stronger my Pride seems to grow. As a teenager, I would have never imagined how proud I would be of my roots. Coming from a rural and down-to-earth area like Eastern KY, as well as growing up poor, has been a positive aspect in my life. That aspect is more than I ever dreamed it would be.

As most us of "hillbillies" seem to be, we know no stranger. We have empathy for our neighbors, family, friends, and even our rivals. We gladly and sometimes blindly help out someone in need. We can be loyal, strong, and stubborn as a mule especially when we have to get down to doing the "nitty gritty" work. We appreciate our jobs because we know a job is hard to come by. We appreciate our family for they are the heartbeat of our lives. Some of us are liable to say anything cause we are not imitators.  We appreciate a mess of soup beans, cornbread, and fried tators. Where else can you see that on a menu in a restaurant but in Eastern KY? :-)

The recent win of the UK Wildcats NCAA Championship brought even more pride to me and my fellow Kentuckians. Supporting our boys in Blue is something we do! Besides, we don't have a lot of choices and they always do us proud.
 

We all are on the Human Race team!

Sure...there are negative aspects about KY and its Appalachian people that the nation would gladly ponder and poke fun of. However, we must not be discouraged by the negativity.  We must not let the bad apples in our crowd ruin the rest of the batch.

Life can look pretty discouraging from the outside.  But if we have pride and hope for a future for ourselves, there isn't an obstacle we cannot overcome. People may rob us of our joy and try to steal what little hope we have. Yet it is in those times when we gotta lift up our head, dig in our heels, and keep running towards the future, regardless. Don't go down without a Fight! We can fight back for our area and its people. We can fight for positive changes for our children and their future.

As I am learning in my Social Psychology class, pride exists in every culture and social group. We each feel a sense of "togetherness" in our culture and/or group. Every race, religion, culture, gender, every diversity shares in this togetherness, a sense of "we" and acceptance. 

We may each have our differences but one thing remains certain...we are all on the Human Race Team.  All of us are born yearning for togetherness and love.  Without these things, there is little chance for survival of a peaceful life.  What's even more certain is that none of us get a waiver for death. Regardless of your race, culture, status, religion, finances, WE all get to cross that bridge between life and death.

Respect your teammates and shout for Victory!  We will not be alone we cross that bridge, our coach will be there to guide us to the final Finish Line.

May God Bless you with the Love and Acceptance of who You are.