Shooting the Breeze
In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below.
News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a technology problem like radar malfunction–or even thick fog.
The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship’s presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other.
Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.
“Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.” Proverbs 18:12 (The Message)
This story resonates with me because pride has caused a lot of crashes in my life. Crashes that were unnecessary and could have been avoided.
As a result of pride, there have been times where I have refused to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong” or “Please forgive me.” Instead, I expected the other person to “give way.” I expected the other person to “yield first.”
And the ultimate result was some form of a “crash”. People were hurt. Relationships were damaged. Conflicts escalated and continued on.
Choosing to yield first is not easy but it will help avoid a lot of unnecessary crashes in life.
This does mean that we are doormats and we let everyone steam roll over us. What it means is we choose to take responsibility for our part in the situation. We own up to what we have done to cause the problem.
Doing this helps break the deadlock. It helps move the situation forward. It helps begin the process of reconciliation.
Don’t let pride cause unnecessary crashes in your life!
Choose to yield first!
Do you find it hard to yield first?
***** This post is part of the blog carnival that is happening over at Peter Pollock’s blog. Go and check out the rest of the posts!
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What a tragic result of pride and stubbornness. Sadly, I can’t say it surprises me. We are such a stubborn lot. I once asked a perfectionist friend of mine whether she would rather be right or be happy. With a straight face she answered, “What’s the difference?” She’s better now, but it took some incredibly dark and painful times to help her understand that difference.
katdish recently posted..Resolve to be bold
Sadly, your friend is not in the minority. Far too many of us are stubborn and prideful.
Thanks for sharing katdish!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..The beauty of radical grace
Pride, definately something that I have struggled with all my life. I am getting better at it, but I still have some ways to go. What’s worst is that sometimes I know that I shouldn’t say or do something to get back at someone, because I feel the need to stand up for myself, or for what’s right, and it certainly strains relationships. I love Proverbs because of all the words of wisdom that’s in it. I am still praying to God to deliver me completely from pride.
Juan Cruz Jr recently posted..Laughter: the cure for what ails your soul
We all struggle with pride to some degree. It’s not wrong to stand up for ourselves. What makes it wrong is our motives. Are we doing it for selfish reasons or are we doing it because it is the right thing to do?
Thanks for sharing Juan!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..I don’t want to go through the motions
That is a tragic story and certainly gives us a reason to yield at times. My mother used to tell me, “Pride goeth before a fall.” This was her way of telling me I needed to yield!
Hazel I Moon recently posted..Resolution to Think – - Before You Bite!
That’s a great proverb to have memorized.
Thanks for sharing Hazel!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Give thanks
I shouldn’t say or do something to get back at someone, because I feel the need to stand up for myself, or for what’s right, and it certainly strains relationships
It is not wrong to stand up for ourselves. We need to be careful of our motives and the way that we do it. This is where pride can creep in.
Thanks for sharing Ashley!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Encouragement changes people
What a sad story! So many suffered and died because of the stubbornness of those they had entrusted themselves to…
I have always felt like I am the one who yields… every time, whether I should or not… and sometimes that is not a good thing. I already know the difference. I am learning to take a stand when it’s the right thing to do.
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling recently posted..Sharpening the Axe
We do need to learn to “declare” ourselves and not just yield to everyone every time. We don’t have to be door mats in order to be humble.
Thanks for sharing Willena!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Compassion counteracts apathy
This is actually a depressing story and I think you have made the right decision of sharing it to us. This will help you cope with this kind of situation.
Julie Hayes recently posted..שליחת SMS
Thanks for sharing Julie!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..God isn’t finished with us yet
And That’s right Julie this is really actual of depressing story and I have learned about something about this. thanks kevs.. godbless.
Fatima Hipolito recently posted..עיסוי ספורטאים
Thanks for sharing Fatima!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Favourite Links Friday: 6 awesome posts to check out!
I agree with the rest of the comments that it is a depressing story. But Pride gets you no where! One of the virtues of life is to not have pride. I’ve seen a lot of people living life through pride and they are not happy campers. I’ve seen others that are humble and notice that they are fulfilled and happy.
Thanks for sharing this awesome post.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Focused?
Humility is always the best road to choose.
Thanks for sharing Donna!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Giving up self-sufficiency
I agree, pride can sometimes ruin you… It is better to be humble and leave the pride away to make your life more peaceful.
Very very true!
Thanks for sharing.
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Words of death or words of life?
I can not agree with your blog here.. This is so true.. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for sharing Annyka!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..God doesn’t make junk!