Meek

I was taught to be meek. A word hardly used in the overblown world of self promotion, shameless pursuit of wealth and power. Yet "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." I don't think that many preachers believe this, because meekness is humble, submissive, noncompetitive, a push over... How can such a week person inherit the earth?

Power in this world is about force. It is something I resist. For those I love, I only want them to do something because they see me in all my weakness and still want to be there. Otherwise, how different are they from any stranger? For me this link between 2 people is real power. If it is just for money... well it's OK for work but not love.

Meek does not mean week. I'm learning how to remain true to my choice not to impose my will but persuade by example, by walking with people and by holding on to the real power in real relationships. I seek out other meek men and women. Those who think they wield power by competition, wealth, control... well they will appear mighty but are empty unless they are meek with those they love.

Another way to state the counter intuitive beatitude would be "Meekness is power and life."