I call this one-
The Hot Spotlight. Last Graduation as the 2010 class was working feverishly in the back to get the dessert served. I was called onto the stage to receive a gift from the 2009 class after which Dr. McCray and Mrs. McCray also thanked me for my service in coordinating Graduation. As they were thanking me I -on impromptu- motioned to speak and Dr. McCray graciously made room at the microphone.
What happened next contains the lesson- read carefully gentle reader.
That moment in my life was a culmination of Cheri Anderson: I had a successful event, a plush personal life, a great job, fun friends and adoring fans but I did not have
humility. I took the spotlight.
"Thank you so much for everything- I would like to take this moment to recognize my team for their diligence facilitating this event everything has come off beautifully. Thank you."
Pastor Shoemaker used to remind my class now and again that,
"Not many men survive godhood." In the moment of truth, under the cleaver disguise of praising the workers- I took the glory for myself. All I needed to do was smile and quietly walk off stage. If I said
anything at all it should
only have been, "The success of this evening is due to the
Blessing of the Lord bringing us all together in this place, and to Dr. & Mrs. McCray's leadership." But I did not. Not only that but I also robbed Mrs. McCray of the opportunity of recognizing the 2010 class. Praise from such a lady as Mrs. McCray would have been
much more honoring than anything I, an inexperienced twenty-one year old would have to say.
If I could do it over, I would, but I cannot- so I share this message with you the President, the Advertiser, the Politician, the Event Coordinator, the Father, the Wife that God will put in the spotlight to change the world:
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but
in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Phil. 2:3