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KERA's This I Believe: Humility

By Felipe Morales

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-628883.mp3

Dallas, Texas –

Some years ago, I was in my late-20's visiting Washington D.C. After seeing some of our nation's treasures and also some of the less fortunate individuals, I found myself outside the Ronald Reagan Center, when I heard a voice say "can you help me." When I turned around, I saw an older - blind lady with her hand extended; out of reflex, I reached in to my pocket - pulled all the loose change I had and placed it on her hand without even making eye contact. I was bother, annoyed, and I felt that I was better than to deal with a beggar.

To my surprise, the blind old woman said with a smile a in her voice: "I don't want your money; I need your help finding the post office." In less than a heartbeat, I realized that had just acted against my most fundamental and deepest beliefs. I acted with prejudice, ignorance and judged a person simply for what I thought or assume she had to be. I hated what I had just become. This incident awakens my core beliefs, the good things I was thought and always brings me prospective in my life. I believe in humbleness, on living a simple life with hard work and dignity.

The thing that I had forgotten about me is that I am an immigrant. I arrived in the U.S. at age 15. I started my new life with 2 suitcases, a strong no-nonsense mother, my bother and sister. Through the years, I have been a dishwasher, busboy, roofer, cashier, mechanic, pizza delivery driver among many other humble jobs, and eventually I became an educated professional. In my life, I have witnessed, and suffered some open acts of prejudice and closed minds by some individuals towards others and myself. Most importantly, I also saw incredible acts of kindness and humanity by those who care to know me and my family. I have seemed first hand that a closed mind can cut deeper than sharp knife, but a caring heart can warm you in the coldest night. After much work and sacrifices of not just my own but of many around me, I achieved a level of education and preparation that propelled me out of the jobs and life style from my past.

After some time in my American bourgeoisie lifestyle, I forget my past, I forget who I am, where I have been, and I lost sight of where I was going. This nameless, blind and proud lady cured me of my blindness with a good serving of humble pie. I believe that an occasionally serving of humble pie cures the worst kind of blindness - the self-induced type; humble pie also cures quick judgments, over inflated heads, cold hearts, and a lack of compassion. I believe in humbleness, the beauty of simplicity, dignity and the importance of clarity in life. By the way, after I had my shameful serving of humble pie, I help the lady to the post office. My only regret is not thanking her for the priceless lesson.

Felipe Morales lives in Rowlett, TX.

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