Meek Is Not Weak!

Reflections On Humility And Personal Power

by Roland Kriewaldt

A sculptor loves his sculpture when it is still a blob of clay; a painter loves his painting when it is still a blank white canvas; a carver loves his carving while it is still a tree, and a composer loves his song when it is still but three notes with a magical resonance that echo the promise of a masterpiece.

I've been working on a great song for almost three months, altogether. I heard something in it when it was still an uncertain collection of grunts, noises and auditory misfires. I loved that song from the moment it was a note, and I nurtured it until it blossomed into something divine. At least in my own eyes.

This made me reflect upon humility. I realize that when I play the song to some people, they're going to love it and say "this is a great song!". And then I will say "Yes, I know. I think it's amazing!"

And that's where the problem would start for some people.

Some of us assume that humility is doubtfulness; that somehow I should have to wait for other people's permission or approval before daring to blush and saying "You really think so? Yeah, maybe you're right. Oh, thank you so much!" To hell with that. I create first to please myself.

In some people's minds, humility is synonymous with insecurity; the inability to trust one's own judgment. That definition of meekness will not inherit the earth. Humility is allowing for the possibility that others may not see it our way and to accept their opinion, and others, so long as it doesn't negate our own. Humility doesn't mean that you have to change what is in your heart in order to compensate for what others cannot feel or comprehend.

I worked really hard to birth that song. I invested three months of my life in creative pregnancy based upon what I felt would be the future life of this musical love child between me and my creator. I trusted in my own judgment and what I felt. And I was humble enough to change the song as often as needed to make it sound just right.

Bottom line: I'm not embarrassed to say that it's a great song! You may just not hear it like I do. (Aren't all proud parents that way?)