There May Be a Blessing Behind Our Short Comings: Short People Got No Reason!
In 1977 the Randy Newman Song “Short People” took a satiric look at the silly and generally indefensible nature of prejudice. How a human feature such as skin color, weight, or height (or lack thereof) can generate such intense feelings for or against any individual.
Interestingly enough, in 1978 several in Maryland attempted to ban the song from the airwaves. The concern was short people & those who stand in their defense were offended at the lyrics which described short people in a negative light. The song depicted them as different and unworthy of respect in some opinions. Personally, I always laughed at the song…
I am 5 foot 2 & ¾-inches, no more and no less. I come from a long line of short ladies. My grandmother was 5 feet, her mother before her was height challenged as well. True to my family heritage, my beautiful 18yr old daughter stands an even 5 feet exactly (when wearing shoes). Compared to the women of my family, I may be considered one of the tallest in our circle. Regardless of hairstyle, high heels or vertical versus horizontal stripped outfits, the truth remains; I am only as tall as I stand, and that is 5 foot 3 (ok, 5 foot 2 & ¾-inches).
However, I am completely at ease with my height. In fact I have found an interesting benefit: others are less threatened and more at ease when standing next to me. There are actually children and who tower over me at times, both I & my daughter have the tendency to draw children like the pied piper for this reason.
It is a very positive thing, as it's difficult to be considered imposing and fear provoking when you are forced to look up into the faces of those nearly a foot taller than you. Taller people who I lead, teach and work side-by-side with are less threatened by me; I attribute this partially to my height.
Without a doubt. this helps lend a physical dimension to the concept of humility I am not equating HEIGHT with the SPIRITUAL act of humility, which is to actively prefer others to myself; yet the notion does give some insight into the beauty of humility.
In the presence of a truly humble person it's easy to feel special and appreciated. There is less competition and power struggles. The humble person just seems to exude faith in you; in their eyes you are more ‘able’ than you may have imagined in your own.
Maybe you have a physical difference that sets you apart from everyone else? Too tall, too short, **too ethnic, too curvy, too thin, too something that has bothered you like a thorn in your side. Try rethinking what your 'little problem' can do to give you the edge...
* Too Ethnic in regards to those who have attempted to re-shape their God given noses, lips, hair, etc... in order to fit the mold of western cultures definition of beauty. Please understand your ethnicity is NOT a liability or short coming!
What Can We Gain From Our 'Short Comings?'
The word is ‘Tapeinos’ or HUMILITY. It’s meaning in the original Hebrew: "not rising far from the ground"...
- as a condition, lowly, of low degree
- brought low with grief, depressed
- lowly in spirit, humble
(International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
Jesus explains in Matthew 11:29…
“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls” (Bible, NLT).
Rejecting pride-fullness or allows us to focus our attention on Christ. True humility says; No worries! You have been measured; I already know where you stand. Shorter, smaller, and without a doubt as gentle and meek as a lamb, no need to fear. Disarm yourself, sit down and rest in my presence; no ulterior motives to harm you.
Jesus’ humbleness trains us to see ourselves a touch shorter than the rest. His humility says you can learn from Me, rest in Me. No more striving to work out eternity by heavy, hard, guilt laden yardsticks. In Jesus they could ‘measure up’ because He was both the measuring stick and the power to grow all in one.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
If there is nothing else you can draw from your 'SHORT COMING's' at least consider the factor of HUMILITY they bring. It reminds us we all have a 'little something' that prevents us from boasting and cutting others down to size
Humility is making a conscious choice to prefer, serve, and consider others, AND to see ourselves & others through Christ-like eyes…
Humility is NOT hating ourselves, treating ourselves with contempt and despising this vessel God Himself created…
Thank God for your uniqueness - it can allow others to feel ‘tall’ sometimes.
