My Set Up

The Lord loves to set us up. In 2003, I met this woman in the lady’s room at ITLM Lancaster. And, I was feeling some type of way that she kept wanting to know more about my life. I had recently started going to the church with my fiancé at the time, and I would run out as soon as the pastor dismissed the congregants. After a few encounters, I finally met up with this lady and her husband at their home. I thought they were weird for inviting strangers (my ex fiancé and I) to their home to “get to know me.” But, that, my friends, was the beginning of a 16-year deep, deep relationship. See, the lady’s name is Pastor Virgy Centeno. When I met her, she was a “regular” congregant, along with her husband Jamie Centeno, who now happens to be my Apostle and Spiritual Poppa. I’m so thankful that I took their invitation. I can’t imagine my life without them. They have mentored me, discipled me, pastored me and spiritually guided me for the last 16 years of my life.

There is one particular day I remember like it was yesterday. A few months after I invited Pastor Virgy into my life, we were sitting on the couch one day, and after a long convo she looked me straight in my face and said “You’re prideful.” Huuuuhhhh?!?! I’m sure my eyes were wide open and my mouth probably was too. I couldn’t believe it. I thought, “How dare her tell me I’m prideful! She doesn’t even really know me.” Hahaha. I can laugh about it now, because oh my word, I so needed that verbal slap in the face! I’m so glad she didn’t sugar coat it for me. She shared it just like I needed to hear it. I absolutely was prideful. I didn’t think I needed anyone to tell me how to live other than Jesus. I didn’t think people should be asking me about my life and my decisions. I really felt like I was “okay” without people. I have come to realize that pride doesn’t always look one way on people.

Pride on me looked like this:

• I found fault in so many things and I was very critical.

• I was extremely superficial with people, I wouldn’t allow people to know about my life, my struggles or my thoughts.

• I always felt like I had to defend myself.

• I preferred being alone or with my fiancé at that time. He loved me and I loved him, so why did we need anyone else from the church in our lives? I truly felt content being alone.

• I always felt like my way was the best way.

• I had a hard time asking or allowing men to help me carry heavy things, or just help me out when they offered assistance.

Psalms 139:23,24 says:

“Search me Oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

The Lord knew me well enough to use Pastor Virgy to point out the pride that was in me. I’m so thankful that she loved me enough to tell me. See, the opposite of pride is humility. I thought humility was being weak. However, I have learned through the years that it’s actually the complete opposite. Humble people are super strong. They rely on God, but they realize that they need people to live right. Humility does not see him or herself more highly than others. You know your strengths and you know your weaknesses. You always live looking to learn more and grow more. You’re able to share your wins, but you’re not afraid to share your losses.

I can go on and on about humility, but I won’t for the sake of time. I encourage you to take time to learn about humility on your own. Read what the word says about it. I know to stay in alignment with what God is doing in this next season, humility needs to be A THANG in our lives.

If you want to look even better, throw on some humility. I promise it will look good on you!

“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”

                                    ~Proverbs 22:4