Humility is focus of LaSalle author's latest book

LA SALLE — Author Michele Howe of LaSalle talks about her latest book, "The Humble Life: Walking with Jesus through the Gospel."

Q: What inspired you to write your latest book, "The Humble Life"?

A: I was researching for another book when I began studying the spiritual principle of humility throughout the Gospels and I couldn’t help but notice how this single attribute transformed seemingly impossible life situations. The more I studied Jesus’ teaching as He instructed followers on the value of unconditional love, the more I realized the eternal significance of honing this spiritual discipline of humility. It truly does change one’s life and those of others around us.

Q: You have written 29 books, how has this one impacted your spiritual growth?

A: As I was writing this book and studying the teachings of Jesus and His followers and disciples, it didn’t take me long to realize that my own humility quotient was far too low. Now if you asked me if I believed I was a proud person, I would have told you no. However, as I poured over these stories and Bible passages, I realized I wasn’t as humble as I once believed. I have much room to grow in this area.

Q: For someone who is unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you do?

A: I’ve been writing reviews, articles and curriculum for over 38 years now. In 1999, I wrote my first book and have focused on book writing ever since. My books mostly align with what I am facing in my own life through the years with the exception of my four single-parenting books which I wrote on behalf of single mom friends of mine.

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Q: Of all the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

A: This is a difficult question because each book reflects what I was going through at different seasons of life. I wrote three books for children which my grandchildren have contributed to and helped me develop content. I’ve written about developing authentic friendships in a world where many individuals lack this kind of support and encouragement. I’ve also written on the empty nest and overcoming a perfectionist attitude. So I guess it depends upon where I’m at on any particular day what my favorite text might be.

Q: What makes this book different from your other works?

A: "The Humble Life" focuses solely on Jesus’ words and teachings and then offers concise readings and explanations for personal takeaways whereas my previous books shared countless true life stories of folks facing down challenges and difficulties using the principles I presented in each text.

Q: How did you decide humility would be the theme of this book?

A: Personally, I came to understand the power of the humble spirit and heart attitude. As the world seems to grow more hostile and uncivil there is a growing need for people to defuse volatile situations and by adopting a humble mindset and response can do that in almost every circumstance.

Q: How did you decide on the three tenets: Humility before God. Humility before others. Humility of heart?

A: I believe humility of heart has three ways that it presents itself. First and foremost, our relationship with God is vertical and we must understand God’s glorious grandeur and majesty. As we understand this, we are rightly of a humble heart. Second, what good is humility if we don’t approach all our relationships with this key fundamental loving attitude? Third, the condition of our heart attitudes will determine our words and our actions. We learn to adopt an “other-oriented” selfless attitude toward people in our world.

Q: Of the four Gospels, why is Matthew so prominent?

A: I loved the way Matthew presented Jesus’ words and teachings and felt they were so detailed in scope. As a tax collector, Matthew was keen to be precise and the way he wrote his account provided that detail for us to learn from.

Q: In your opinion, which is more important, to have religion or to have faith and why?

A: The Bible tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith. Believing faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior is what matters. Otherwise, “religion” is just another human effort to make ourselves righteous before a holy God. It’s all about acknowledging our need for forgiveness and salvation.

Q: What lesson did you learn after writing this book?

A: I learned that honing an attitude of consistent humility takes intentional effort every single day and that I’m far more able to exhibit humility even in hard situations when I’ve spent time reading the Bible daily and meditating upon its truth. I’ve also discovered that real humility means when I fail I am eager to start again and not give up. It’s a day-by-day growth in godliness.

Q: What passage or prayer in the book is your favorite?

A: There is a chapter on forgiveness that has been key to me and the Scripture is found in Matthew 18. It is the story of the man who owed more money than he could ever pay back and was forgiven his loan. Instead of then being so grateful for this immense pardon he then refuses to forgive a fellow slave for a small amount. What a lesson in being aware of the great sin each of us has been forgiven for and yet we often hold grudges against others for minor infractions.

Q: Where is "The Humble Life" available?

A: This book is available on Amazon and all major booksellers online and in stores.

— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Humility is focus of LaSalle author's latest book