For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. – (Luke 18:14b, NLT)
People who make themselves important will be made humble. But those who make themselves humble will be made important. – (Luke 18:14b, ERV)
If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to fall flat on your face, but if you’re content to simply be yourself, you will become more than yourself. – (Luke 18:14b, MSG)
After having had my first day with some of my sixth graders yesterday, this verse is an excellent affirmation of my approach. I have never taught sixth grade before, as my previous twenty years of teaching have been spent with seventh, eighth and even ninth graders. Rather than pretending to know what I am doing with this age group and that I have it all together, I began by being real with my students, and let them know that I did not know exactly what to expect from sixth grade students, and that I would need their help to figure it out. By establishing my need for their help as we work together towards success this year, and discover together what it will take for each to accomplish their goals, there was a sense of comfort and communication that began to take root. May we be real with one another, wherever we are at, and look for ways to encourage and lift each other up.
Let’s come as we are, 
Wherever we’re at;
For when we are real,
Character’s intact.
People will respect,
The truth that we speak;
Our need for their help,
Is not seen as weak.
We were created,
For community;
To work together,
To rise and meet needs.
So let us gather,
Join in and give grace;
Provide our support,
For all in this space.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we choose to be real and come humbly into whatever we are called, You meet us and provide the help we need to accomplish what is asked of us. Thank You that we are not meant to do everything all on our own, as You place us in community and provide help and hope as we are willing to admit our need. Forgive us for the times that we do not humble ourselves and admit our own need for help or for thinking that we somehow have it all together. Teach us to trust You more, as there is ALWAYS more to learn and room to grow in this process of being refined and becoming who You are calling us to be. Show us how to love those around us with humility and grace, so that they may feel safe and valued as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to be honest wherever we are at, and trust You to make up for where we lack. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16
Revelations In Writing 