Hello everyone! Today I would like to talk about something that doesn’t come easy, but is needed for all. Poise.
When the word poise comes to mind, perhaps you think of an erect and non-slouchy posture, and gracefulness. But poise embodies so much more. A calm composure in a world of chaos, the capability to bring calm to others in trouble, an unshakable stamina, an unbreakable spirit, a soft answer to turn away wrath, the capability to smooth over awkward circumstances with kindness, the capability to put others’ thoughts, feelings, and wishes first etc.
I will have to spend more time on this one in future posts. This topic is a favorite of mine, and the possibilities are endless. For someone whose poise and stamina is rooted in the King of Kings, is truly unconquerable, and can face anything. A person of poise remembers that they are a daughter or son of the King, and has a regal bearing of courage. But a person of poise also remembers that they are a servant of the Almighty made of dust, to serve Him and His people, which produces extreme humility.
One of my favorite books on one of my favorite characters in history highlights the life of Dolly Madison. She started out a Quaker, and became a president’s wife. All throughout her life, but especially as a first lady, she was exemplary in hospitality, courage, poise, graciousness, and kindness. She gave elegant dinners at the White House, but served everything with love, and made everyone, rich and poor, feel welcome. She specialized in making people feel comfortable. Even to shy and awkward guests who spilled things, she made humble remarks of her meager beginnings, and smoothly served them with kindness, setting them at ease. She courageously saved George Washington’s portrait from the hands of the British, and lived through the war of 1812 with dignity and honor.
Our honor and dignity is from the Lord. Every human being is made in His Image. A true man or woman of poise is never condescending, but serves everyone as if they were a king or queen. A person of poise always treats others with dignity, and saves their pride. A true man or woman of poise will have the courage to put themselves last, knowing that their King will provide for them. A person of poise is patient when conversing with others, because of the hope within them. A man or woman of poise stands for the truth, but also walks with a teachable and submissive spirit. A person of poise is respectful of others. A man or woman of poise clings to the law and freedom of God’s word, and leans on their Lord. A person of poise is a person valor.
There is so much more that I could say, but I will l save it for further posts. 🙂 May God bless us all with poise.
The Dedication, by Edmund Blair Leighton