🕊️ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death of the cross.

Philippians 2:5-8

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes all of you be submissive, to one another, and be clothed with humility,

for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

1 Peter 5:5, 6

When I was young I was let down by my father, always abused by him, and I was severely bullied by many when in my primary development years in school.

Then when I was 12, I began attending junior high school, which was a fresh start where no one knew me. I was determined not to be bullied ever again, so the first kid who said something mean to me or acted tough, I punched so hard in his nose, it began to bleed everywhere!

I was taken to the principal’s office, I was told I would be suspended for three days, then he opened a drawer where he kept a large paddle with holes in it. When he pulled it out, he told me I was going to receive my punishment of three swats.

I was not afraid of the pain, especially since my father regularly pulled off his thick heavy belt and hit me with it many times almost daily. I was conditioned to it!

From that point on, the whole school heard what I did and no one ever spoke mean to me or tried to bully me, ever, without receiving my punishment on them.

This carried on into my high school years, where it became my mission not to be bullied but more so, not to allow others to be bullied. I began to challenge bullies and I would pick fights with anyone who bullied others who were smaller or timid or weak.

The scriptures I wrote above hit me hard when I first read them, because when I was young, I had become so hard, a fighter, a drunkard and a blasphemer of the proud. I was on a path of self-destruction.

In reading the Word of God I figured, if Jesus had mighty powers to defend himself, or have His angels fight for Him, yet instead, He suffered insults, verbal abuse, beatings and torture, in order to make a way for me to truly be free and live, then I was all in! 👀

I began reading His Word with a passion, hungry for guidance and direction on how to use these new tools provided. I found the more I followed His word and the path of “Faith,” the more I felt humbled and my spirit fed. My whole world had changed quickly, once my eyes were opened. Thank you Lord!

I found encouragement and strength, by reading the Word, helped me to make a choice, to do the right thing, where I once rebelled and lashed out, I began learning how humility was a good thing, and it has blessed me, beyond measure ever since.

My trials and challenges were always met with the forces of strength and patience and peace, which my Heavenly Father and my God provides. I feel He is with me in and through all my days, as a choice, to follow in darkness, or to walk in the light, to guide my way.

Although I am still challenged daily, in my reading God’s Word, helps me to be disciplined to remain that way, always.

Thank you Lord! 🕊️