Chapter 1: The Perils of Pride

The tale of Lucifer's downfall is a poignant reminder of the dangers of arrogance. A young, gifted individual, celebrated for his talents, allows the accolades to inflate his ego. Instead of embracing humility, he holds his head high, believing he is superior to those around him and perhaps even above the very laws of nature. This delusion ultimately leads to his downfall, illustrating the age-old adage that pride comes before a fall.

In various myths and legends, such as the stories of Icarus and Aesop's Tortoise and the Hare, the Greeks particularly condemned hubris, showcasing its prevalence in their tragedies. The insidious nature of pride can blind one to their own flaws, making it impossible to seek genuine improvement.

Reflecting on my own life, I realize that I, too, exhibited a fair amount of arrogance during my youth. My precocious nature led me to delve into complex texts by the age of ten, exploring myths from diverse cultures. Unlike the typical reserved student, I was loud, curious, and eager to showcase my abilities. Upon reflection, I recognize that this bravado stemmed from deep-seated insecurities stemming from my unstable upbringing.

With a mother struggling with bipolar disorder and a workaholic father, I often felt invisible. In my quest for validation, I concocted ways to boost my self-esteem, convincing myself of my strengths. This relentless self-affirmation solidified my belief in my capabilities, transforming my facade of confidence into my perceived reality.

Yet, as I matured, my life choices took a different trajectory than those of my peers. I ventured into mixed martial arts, entrepreneurship, and even reality television. These accomplishments, remarkable for a child from Yishun, Singapore, were largely driven by the confidence I had built. However, the fragility of this self-created assurance became evident during challenging times.

The pandemic was a turning point. Within months, I had to close my events business, an industry devastated by lockdowns. Just when I felt despondent, an unexpected opportunity arose: I was invited to compete on a reality TV show, "The Apprentice." Initially, I had submitted my application on a whim, but once selected, I poured my heart into the competition, driven by the prospect of a substantial cash prize.

However, I faced defeat. More than just losing, I experienced a crushing blow to my ego, compounded by the absence of a pandemic to blame. My elimination forced me into a period of introspection. As I battled my internal demons, a familiar voice of self-assurance returned, but this time, it felt hollow. I had lost my business and faced public humiliation.

During this dark time, my thoughts turned to past failures: moments of defeat in the ring, lost loves, and the insecure child who once sought validation through pretense. This reflection led to a profound realization, echoing the biblical wisdom from Matthew 23:12: "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

With this insight, I decided to embrace humility. Rather than pursuing lofty ambitions, I sought stability through a blue-collar job. I shifted my focus from grandiose achievements to more grounded realities. I turned off my social media presence and immersed myself in literature, seeking solace in simplicity.

What I discovered in this humble existence was unexpected: peace. This newfound tranquility helped me regain financial stability and provided the mental clarity needed for my writing. From this place of steadiness, I found my most successful writing endeavors.

So, this is a personal account of how I transformed my self-talk, choosing to abandon the pursuit of the peaks for the fertile valleys of life. While the heights may be enticing, they often lead to suffocation from the thin air of constant visibility. In contrast, the valleys nurture growth and resilience.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by life's ups and downs, consider stepping back. It might be time to dismount from your high horse and embrace humility, allowing for a quiet yet powerful resurgence when least expected.

Remember:

He who raises himself high will eventually fall, but those who recognize the game and choose humility will, in time, find exaltation.

Thank you for taking the time to read this narrative. If it resonated with you, consider exploring my novels or signing up for my newsletter.

Chapter 2: Lessons in Humility

The first video titled "He Who Humbles Himself Will Be Exalted" delves into the transformative power of humility, illustrating how embracing modesty can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Chapter 3: The Path of Self-Discovery

The second video titled "Everyone Who Exalts Himself (Luke 14:7-11 and 1 Kings 1)" examines the biblical teachings on humility, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's place in the world and the rewards of being grounded.