“The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.” Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865).

A few years ago I was interviewing for a job in Redmond and one of the first questions I was asked was “Who is someone you truly admire.” I’ve never been very good at job interviews. I’ve been told that they all ask standard questions for which you are supposed to give standard replies. Well, no one has ever given me the list of standard replies so I always answer as honestly as I can and my response was Abraham Lincoln.

I was a history major in college and I focused my studies on the Civil War. I began my studies as most proud Southerners with admiration for Robert E. Lee, “Stonewall” Jackson, and the other legendary Confederate generals. I learned specific details about their military prowess which confirmed my admiration for them. However, I learned a lot more about Ulysses Grant and Abraham Lincoln because, even in Arkansas, history is written by and mostly about the winners. There can be no denying that the illustrious Confederates were brilliant strategists but if they had a flaw, it was that they were too aware of their own brilliance. Whereas the Southern leadership has traditionally been portrayed as romantic geniuses fighting brilliantly in the face of overwhelming odds, Lincoln and Grant have always been viewed as plodders who used inherent technical and numerical advantages to slowly bring about an inevitable result.

Lincoln and Grant both experienced sharp criticism during the war. Of course, their ultimate victory provided a great deal of vindication but I think the thing about both of them that I most admire is that they both possessed a powerful mixture of both humility and self-confidence. At the apex of his military rank, Grant could usually be found wearing a uniform that had been designed for privates instead of generals. Lincoln was famous for his self-deprecating remarks like, “If I was two-faced, do you think I would be using this one?” Yet, for all of the modesty of their public and historical personas, they both possessed a deep and abiding conviction that they would prevail that was born both of a quiet confidence in their ability to lead and, more importantly, a knowledge that theirs was the just cause.

I believe that there are no more valuable personality traits for Christians than humility and self-confidence. Humility is an absolute must because without it, we will not see the need for God nor will we be able to put others ahead of ourselves as Christ has done and calls us to do as well. Humility gives us the desire to learn, the spirit to forgive, an inclination to pray, and the willingness to serve. Without it, we become completely self-centered and the more we focus on our own wants and desires, the less we are what God wants us to be and what will truly make us happy. Humility transforms us while pride keeps us right where we are.

The wonderful thing about the transformation we undergo through our humility is that as we grow in knowledge, forgive others, pray to our God, and become servants, we become assured that God loves us. This assurance gives us the confidence we need to endure difficult times and remain faithful, reach out to others with the hope that lives within us, and overcome the temptations that can be found at every turn. Thus, genuine humility leads to true and warranted self-confidence. Together they help us become what God has called us to be, which is truly something to admire.

The Lord is risen! Hallelujah! Today we celebrate the foundation of our faith: the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is with exceeding joy that we welcome all who have come to recall Christ’s victory over sin and death. Rejoice, dear friends!

Those with recent losses—Family and friends of Patti Ikard’s mother. J.B. Dollarhyde, Joyce A. Hatley, Patrick Colgrove, Jeanette Lacey, and Earl Lungren.

Bonita Hutchins sister of Betty Brumfield,

Doran Hougham, Bone Cancer

Albert Lee Wolford, Dale Loofburrow, Judy Lundgren’s mother, Tina Vest and her husband for his diabetes. Jennifer Walden, Don Micheauy, Ruth Colgrove, Ford Vest, farther-in-law of Tina Vest,

Tina Vest, Frank Hermsen health and spiritual strength and guidance.

Steve Hogan, Bridgette's father, Joshua Richards, Bromerick Richards, Teresa Petta, Desri Crawford health.

Please remember all of the young people with ties to this congregation serving in our nation’s armed forces.

Apr. 30 IRS Party! Have you made that crafty item you are bringing to watch everyone drool over yet? Linda is

Bulletin 2005

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