When our girls were small, their imaginations provided us with never-ending entertainment. A

line of books running the length of the hallway was a parade route, proudly trod-upon by

Barbies, stuffed animals, and My Little Ponies. A string of beads on a plastic plate was

spaghetti, and blankets draped over shoulders were fancy gowns with long trains. There’s

nothing like a child’s creativity to awaken the imagination of adults as well – best spaghetti I’ve

ever eaten! 

In one of my favorite memories, I was fixing my hair and realized it had grown very quiet. (This

requires investigation.) I found them on my bed. The eldest was perched crisscross applesauce

on a pillow, back straight and chin high, holding a princess wand and looking serious. Next to

her, curled into a tight ball, was her sister. I took in the silent scene with a raised eyebrow. The

oldest looked at me soberly. “I’m the queen,” she stated, flicking the wand toward her sister.

“And Katy is my cat.” 

I still laugh remembering it, but there’s a lesson to be learned here. You figured out which sister

did the casting, didn’t you? After all, who wants to be a cat when you can be the queen? We all

want to feel seen, to know we’re valued and our contribution is important. I think of the disciples

arguing about who among them was the greatest on more than one occasion. Jesus responds

by reminding them that He is among them as a servant, that leaders serve and that the greatest

become low (Luke 22:24-27). 

These verses instruct us to purposefully humble ourselves: 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes

the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the

mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. (1 Peter 5:5-6)

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my

face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their

sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in

love. (Ephesians 4:2)

As believers, we are commanded to humble ourselves. Not because we’re doormats. Not

because of anything to do with value or purpose or position. We do it because it’s the example

Jesus set for us and the command He gave. Let’s strive to be faithful and grow in humility.

[For additional reading: Philippians 2, Colossians 3:12, Micah 6:8]



By Lori Barkley

Lori and her husband Jim attend the Armstrong Mill campus where she serves as a deacon.

They have two daughters, Brynn and Katy (a.k.a. the queen & the cat).