They say one bad apple will spoil the bushel. I think this is true when it comes to individuals who lack any humility and are part of an organization that is a service. It is also true in every day life. Let me give an example. As a Vietnam Veteran and Marine, I take no thanks for granted, nor do I expect any. I served because I felt it was the right thing to do for my Country. Most servicemen of my era, would probably share my feelings toward that duty. We ask for nothing, and expected nothing other than the internal knowledge that we were doing what was right.
Now let me give an example of what I received from an Army Officer after I had made a comment on Twitter about how liberals would celebrate the 4th since they were at work trying to take our freedoms away. This comment was more directed at the Democratic controlled Congress than at any individual, however, this Officer took the time to call me an idiot, a gun loving freak and berated my view excessively. I know we all have the right to free speech. But the icing on the cake was the last comment and I quote “this 4th will be one of the few holidays I have NOT spent, nor my husband, defending YOUR freedom”. If this individual is defending my freedom, then they have a poor way of showing it. There is no humility in this person, and as an Officer, it would appear there is a strong lack of judgment in her character as well. I feel for any enlisted men and women who may report to this Officer.
With that, it brings me to the great respect that I have for most servicemen and women. Yes, they do defend our freedoms, and yes, there were many more before them that brought us our freedoms we enjoy today. We make a great showing of thanking the veterans and active servicemen, but I do believe that we have made too big a show of it, and many are now starting to believe they are entitled to that appreciation. We have provided accolades for so long that the lack of humility in many is becoming a demand and expectation. To serve our country is a privilege, it is done because we want to maintain our freedoms and the freedoms of others. It is not done for praise or appreciation, but because we are humbled before our God, and are willing to sacrifice our lives for all our freedoms, including the freedom to worship as we see fit. To truly serve our Country, we must possess a great deal of humility, for it is humility that makes hero’s and is the basis of our being. I have never met a true Hero who was not humbled by his experience. Most will not talk openly about the action that made them a Hero, earned them a medal and recognition for that action.
Now is the time we should stress humility in our children, without it, it is evident that they will grow into adults who not only do not have humility, but also lack personal discipline in their character. I believe that humility is the most defining character in a person. We must be humble before our God, humble before our fellow man, and humble before our family. True pride is instilled by humility. False pride and no humility will lead to disrespect toward you by others. I strongly suggest that you go to a Church of your choosing, put God in your life so that you may truly understand what humility is and how it will effect your life.
May God Bless and keep you.