My dear brothers and sisters, there is no doubt that the words we speak have enormous power. They can make us erupt into laughter or bring tears to our eyes. They can influence, inspire, shock and manipulate. They can build, and they can destroy. Some words have different effects on different people. One such word is Humility. Some people love the word and all it stands for. Some almost fear it and interpret it synonymously with a lack of self-confidence and temerity.To the contrary, practicing Humility improves relationships across all levels, it reduces anxiety, it encourages more openness and paradoxically, it enhances one’s self-confidence.
Like most virtues,it is one thing to talk about and entirely another to practice it. Brothers and sisters, how then do you bring Humility to your interactions with your fellow Marshallans, your neighboours and workmates? How can the Marshallan uphold the hallmarks of Humility: that is, to live in modesty, shun pretenses, never boastful and avoid the temptation of believing that you are superior to others?
Some people may say that Humility is all about maintaining our pride about who we are, about our achievement, about our worth but without arrogance. Approaching our daily endeavours with Humility is very important because we are then able to keep our eyes open to innovation and our ears tuned to new ideas that might previously have been discarded.
For Marshallans in leadership positions you must learn to admit your failures about something. Not only does admitting wrong prevent further disaster, it opens a possibility for everyone. It is easier to trust and follow a leader who isn’t perfect, because we know none of us are.You must also be willing to learn the habit of laughing at yourself. When a leader laughs at himself or herself, it lightens up and levels the space. It also brings freedom to being human.
You must learn to say sorry.Admitting full responsibility for a wrong and authentically apologizing is brave. It is inspiring. Also by admitting that others are better than you is a genius of Humility.
As Marshallans aspiring to develop the virtue of Humility, you must have the ability to deflect praise toward those who deserve it for a number of reasons. Giving credit to others keeps you from becoming self-conceited. In addition, it allows those who had a contributing role to experience the success as well. Praising others also shows our personal desire to be a servant, a true mark of leadership.
My brothers and sisters, Humility doesn’t come naturally to many people. To this end, you must commit yourselves to God daily, asking him to help you live lives that reflect his character. If you are constantly looking for glory and praise, then your priorities are wrong. Jesus made it clear that we are to simply do the things he asks us to do and reflect any praise we might receive away from ourselves. Our purpose is to do what He asks, and in the end that is more important than any elevations to high office, honours and awards we might receive.
Finally let us remember that true merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes.
Fraternally yours
Sir Kt. Derx Baffour
(Supreme Knight)
PS. I will like to thank all Marshallans who are insuring their assets with Quality Insurance Co. Ltd. (QIC), and I entreat others to start. It’s important to insist and state on the insurance form that your agent is The Knights and Ladies of Marshall. This will enable you and the Noble Order to enjoy the commission benefit. Fellow Marshallans, let us also secure our future by being active contributors to the Marshallan Security Trust.