By Fr. Adolf Washington –
God has two thrones; One in the highest heavens and the other in the humblest hearts. A truly humble person is hard to find, yet when God finds one, He delights in him.
Booker T. Washington, the acclaimed and the most popular black educator of his time, known also as an outstanding example of truthfulness and dedication took over as President of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Once while walking down the street in simple attire, a wealthy white lady stopped and asked if he would like to chop some logs of wood and earn a few dollars. Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves, and proceeded with her to do the humble chore. Finishing the job, with sweat on his brow, he carried the logs into the house. A girl at home recognized him and later revealed his identity to the lady.
The next morning the embarassed lady met Booker Washington at his office and apologized profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend and humble myself too”.
She told him that his gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. In admiration, she persuaded her wealthy acquaintances to join in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute.
The scriptures say “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up”(James 4:10). For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.(Mathew 23:12)
The famous inventor Samuel Morse was once asked if he ever encountered situations where he didn’t know what to do. Morse responded, “More than once, and whenever I could not see my way clearly, I knelt down and prayed to God for light and understanding.”
Morse received many honors for his invention of the telegraph but humbled himself while receiving these honours saying he was un-deserving “I have made a valuable application of electricity not because I was superior to other men but solely because God, who meant it for mankind, must reveal it to someone and He was pleased to reveal it to me.”
For many, the higher they rise in life the level of pride too rises. But for the spiritually inclined; humility increases with success. Where do you stand?
Fr Washington is one of our very own priests from Fraser town a very talented priest who can connect so well with the youth of today in his preaching. You find very few priests who can connect with young people. We are blessed to have a priest like him.