“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18 KJV)

Most of us would probably not respond quickly in the affirmative if we were asked if we had an issue/problem with pride. That might just be the first clue that many of us actually do have such a problem and either don’t recognize it or are very good/practiced at “hiding” it.

Like with most sins we consider “little,” pride can jump up and bite us in the most unassuming/unexpected of circumstances. Yes, I write from recent, painful experience – both in the literal sense as well as the emotional (and most importantly) spiritual sense.

Most of you reading this are aware that I just spent six week in a rehab facility recovering from severe breaks in my left ankle. What you don’t know is that it was PRIDE and a HAUGHTY SPIRIT that put me there! I have repented, asked my husband to forgive me and given several, tearful, testimonies of the importance of “listening” to the Lord (and others who love you) and His loving, wise counsel.

We currently live in the mountains of North Carolina in a picturesque log cabin. I love it for 9 months of the year. January through March, you can “have” it and I long for the warmth of Florida. God has a sense of humor in that I spent most of summer (indoors!) in FL! It’s already getting chilly in the mountains.

The story goes like this: My husband has been a cancer patient for over 5 years. I have been his primary care-giver. Every time I walk up the spiral staircase to the upper level of our cabin (my bedroom/office), he lovingly says, “Be careful, Honey.”

No issue there. He says it lovingly because he cares for me. However, a small, unspoken (and most proper) undercurrent is, “Remember, what happens to you happens to us…”

So, perhaps 15x/day for 2 1/2 years…“Be careful, Honey.” THEN,  I was standing mid-way on the steps and, hearing his plea once again, I said, “REALLY, do you have to say that EVERY TIME I go up and down the steps?” It was said with haughty exasperation and a “give it a rest” attitude. “Amazing” to find it being the first thought that swept into my mind as I lay on the pavement looking at my left foot bent at a 90 degree angle to my leg. I had not been careful and it drastically changed both of our lives.

We were 20 minutes from beginning our first visit together to FL in 2 1/2 years when the accident happened. I ended up in the hospital and Bill ended up back at the cabin “care-taking” for himself – an emotionally and physically challenging “adventure.”

God’s instructions are not meant to limit, punish or hinder us in any way. Just the opposite; they are meant to protect, guide and prosper us. I have had other unwelcome lessons in the consequences of sin…all of which have affected not only myself but others…some, perhaps, eternally.

I feel raw and humbled in my spirit…more aware of God’s love and compassionate care…more desirous of “simple” obedience…wanting to implore all whom I love to hear and obey…

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Mary