Faith Essentials

  A few weeks ago, my husband accidentally slipped off a ladder and broke his ankle. For my husband, who has always had a tough, "I can do anything I set my mind to" mentality, the most challenging part has not been dealing with the pain.  Instead, it has been the humbling realization that he now has to rely on others for help with even the simplest tasks. Just the other day, on his way home, he stopped to pick up his favorite ice cream. He said, It was both humbling and somewhat humiliating when he realized he couldn’t get back to his truck. Thankfully, the cashier offered to help him carry his things back to his vehicle while he maneuvered with his crutches. For someone who has always been very self-sufficient, asking for assistance has required him to exercise a great deal of humility. His experience reminded me of a familiar figure from the Old Testament: Jacob. Jacob had a long history of being driven and self-sufficient. He pursued everything he set his mind to, even wh...