Addendum to Greatness

Can I call myself great? Is it too cocky, arrogant and self-centered?

Yes. No, no, and a resounding no!

If greatness is properly understood as service to thy neighbors, do not fret in referring to thyself as great.

Washing feet is an act of greatness. In the Near East, during the 1st century in the year of our lord, the foot was considered one of the most utterly repulsive if not the most repulsive body part. Knowing this Jesus washed his disciples feet. Read John 13:1-17 for details. Nonviolence is an act of greatness. The procession of our savior's crucifixion was the apex of humiliation. He was bloodied, battered, bruised, mocked, whipped and placed on the same level as transgressors. At any moment his tortures could have been smote. Instead he permitted their actions. Mark 15: 21-41 for details.

 In the spring of 2011 in the year of our lord I traveled to Puerto Cortes, Honduras in Central America. A third world Spanish speaking country that has been host to a disappearing president and one of the world's highest murder rates. I digress. I was on a mission trip to a small Garifuna (Afro-Honduran) village named Travesia. The friends I made on that trip and I had a wonderful time cleaning their streets, beaches and talking about Jesus with the kids of the neighborhood. The most rewarding and humbling experience was an experiment in the story of John 13.

A peer and I, from Pepperdine, gathered about 12 kids in a circle. We brought out a bucket of water and soap. Being the Spanish speaker, I explained the story to the kids, and told them that we would emulate it. They gasped, they ooed they awed. Many were reluctant to wash others' feet, and or be washed by others. My peer and I started the washing and instilled this courage in the kids. Everyone washed everyone else's feet. No gloves, all love.

If you have never done this, I suggest that you try it.