Country music is not my favorite genre. However, there is one country song that never fails to bring a smile to my face each time I hear it. That song, “(Always Stay) Humble and Kind,” is sung by Tim McGraw but it was written by Lori McKenna, a mother of five, and it’s easy to hear her heartfelt advice to her children in it. If you’re not familiar with it, I encourage you to seek it out and give a listen. It’s available on all streaming services and YouTube.
In these days of selfies (what an egotistical term!) and self-promoting leaders, humility seems to be sliding into endangered territory. Yet, there have always been truly humble souls who capture the world’s attention. Think of Nelson Mandela, Mohandas Gandhi, Mother Teresa. Such people accomplish great deeds, often changing the course of history, not by promoting themselves but by humbly serving others.
Humility has been emphasized by religions throughout the ages, as in Judaism, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4); Christianity, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3) and Islam, “And do not turn your face away from people in contempt, and go about in the land exulting overmuch. Indeed, Allah does not love any self-conceited boaster.” (Qur’an 31:18).
Today, the Baha’i faith affirms the importance of humility. In the words of Baha’u’llah, “Humility exalteth man to the heaven of glory and power, whilst pride abaseth him to the depths of wretchedness and degradation.”
Baha’is are also fortunate to have the example of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, eldest son of Baha’u’llah, who is actually referred to as the exemplar. His given name was Abbas, but he chose for himself the title of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, which means “servant of Baha” (Baha’u’llah). These are his words, “Man’s greatness lieth in humility, and his abiding glory is found in lowliness, self-effacement and servitude to the servants of the Lord. This, verily, is the greatest attainment in this resplendent day.” ‘Abdu’l-Baha didn’t merely speak those words; he lived them. Baha’is everywhere know the story of his life; how he showered love upon everyone regardless of religion, race, or creed, but especially those living in utmost poverty; how he gave away his earthly possessions and, ultimately, his life, in service to others.
Obviously, most of us fall far short of such selflessness but, as we arise and struggle, our baby steps propel us toward humility. My own struggle toward humility is aided by a personal experience and is further illustrated by the experience of a Baha’i friend of mine. Both involve members of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing body of the entire Baha’i world. Membership on this body is comparable to the station of the pope or the Dalai Lama.
My experience took place several years ago at a Baha’i Conference in Wisconsin. The keynote speaker was Mr. Glenford Mitchell, a much-loved Jamaican-American member of the Universal House of Justice. When he was introduced to us before his speech, the entire audience rose to its feet in deference to his position. Later, at lunch time, I was impressed and delighted to see him standing in the long line leading to the lunch trays and serving area. He was nowhere near the front of the line but was waiting patiently near the back of it, engaging in conversation with people who were eager to talk with him.
The incident related to me by my friend concerns House of Justice member, Dr. Peter Khan, an erudite and amiable giant of a man. He was visiting the town where my friend lives and had given a talk in the afternoon. Afterward, people were socializing and having refreshments when it suddenly became apparent that Dr. Khan was no longer in the room. Feeling a bit anxious, some of the friends began to search for him – and found him rather quickly, drying dishes in the kitchen and chatting with volunteer kitchen staff.
This is that humility which betokens greatness. This is that humility which is absent in today’s secular leaders. But this is also that humility each of us can cultivate. It starts with serving others. And those who need to be lovingly served are everywhere. One small act of service at a time will set us on the path of always being humble and kind!