“In the Orthodox understanding of the human heart, the great dividing line is not intelligence or strength — it’s humility versus pride.”
Well written. Thank you. So many folks nowadays view human relationships only in the context of power rather than through love. Some have zero capacity to be in “relationship” unless they maintain some sort of earthly power. Maybe it’s for self protection, maybe it’s because they were sexually abused for 10 years as a kid. Lots of reasons possible.
without humility there is no sacrificial love. The healing I think comes if one is willing to learn how to love without using power.
Sorry about the story of your friend, if it’s a true story and not figurative description.
Self protection against narcissistic behavior and manipulation is very important.
Yeah brings up an important issue that can be tough for men to talk about - just like men have the capacity to be, women too have the capacity to be narcissistically manipulative and deceptive. I was in a relationship with such a woman decades ago and - like a lot of men - I was blindsided when I became aware of the reality. She played the coy deflection bit which was depressing to witness. Nowadays I can see that she perceived humility as a weakness and pride as strength. I never should have been with her. Yes I was way more naive and gullible than I should have been.
Tough life lessons to learn. A lot of men (like me) are pig-headed and won't learn these lessons unless it happens to us :) Fortunately a long time later I'm at the point where I pray for her health, healing, and well being - but like my priest at the time told me (I am Eastern Orthodox), the scars from that injury will always be there, though they will fade with time. He is correct.
Thanks for your work, Buck. Appreciate it. Blessed upcoming Great Fast to you. May Christ keep and protect you !
“In the Orthodox understanding of the human heart, the great dividing line is not intelligence or strength — it’s humility versus pride.”
Well written. Thank you. So many folks nowadays view human relationships only in the context of power rather than through love. Some have zero capacity to be in “relationship” unless they maintain some sort of earthly power. Maybe it’s for self protection, maybe it’s because they were sexually abused for 10 years as a kid. Lots of reasons possible.
without humility there is no sacrificial love. The healing I think comes if one is willing to learn how to love without using power.
Sorry about the story of your friend, if it’s a true story and not figurative description.
Self protection against narcissistic behavior and manipulation is very important.
Well said! And, it’s sadly and very true story.
Yeah brings up an important issue that can be tough for men to talk about - just like men have the capacity to be, women too have the capacity to be narcissistically manipulative and deceptive. I was in a relationship with such a woman decades ago and - like a lot of men - I was blindsided when I became aware of the reality. She played the coy deflection bit which was depressing to witness. Nowadays I can see that she perceived humility as a weakness and pride as strength. I never should have been with her. Yes I was way more naive and gullible than I should have been.
Tough life lessons to learn. A lot of men (like me) are pig-headed and won't learn these lessons unless it happens to us :) Fortunately a long time later I'm at the point where I pray for her health, healing, and well being - but like my priest at the time told me (I am Eastern Orthodox), the scars from that injury will always be there, though they will fade with time. He is correct.
Thanks for your work, Buck. Appreciate it. Blessed upcoming Great Fast to you. May Christ keep and protect you !