First off, I would like to thank Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Chasing Humility: 8 Ways to Shape a Christian Heart, before its publication. Joel Stepanek’s book is an excellent walk through the Litany of Humility (presented at the end of the review); an important read in today’s society.
Humility is an oft misunderstood term in the modern day. When we think of being humble, we think of those living in voluntary poverty, like St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi or of Dorothy Day. Perhaps we think of someone who is annoyingly obsequious. What we don’t often think of are the highly successful people, whose humility is a key aspect of their success. Humility is usually derided and looked at as antithetical to success and happiness when it is truly quite the opposite. So, what does it really mean to be humble?
Chasing Humility answers this question by breaking The Litany of Humility into eight sections. In each section, Stepanek walks though events in his life that tie into the various calls of the litany. In sharing those events and tying them to both the litany and to scripture, he helps focus us on how to define and achieve healthy amounts of humility.
If you, like me have a problem with a lack of humility, you may fight this book. After all, it’s hard to be humble when you’re practically perfect. You will identify with the author more if you have an overabundance of humility. I will, however, tell you that reading through to the end is a worthwhile experience either way. Section eight ties everything together very well and is hard hitting. Don’t jump straight to section eight, it won’t help without the rest of the book.
At the end of each section, Stepanek provides practical exercises to help grow humility. Even if you don’t actively do each exercise, be sure to pause at the end of each section and think over the exercises while focusing on the section just completed.
It may sound like an odd recommendation, but the more you fight this book, the more valuable it will be for you in the end. This seems like it would be a great small group book during Lent. It lends its self very easily to discussion. Recommended.
The Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled ...
From the desire of being honored ...
From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted ...
From the desire of being approved ...
From the fear of being humiliated ...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes ...
From the fear of being calumniated ...
From the fear of being forgotten ...
From the fear of being ridiculed ...
From the fear of being wronged ...
From the fear of being suspected ...
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...
That others may be chosen and I set aside ...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

Amen.

An excellent extended meditation on the Litany ofHumility, a short prayer that will help any Christian led a better, more Christ-focused life. Stepanek groups the parts of the litany into groups of three related prayers and devotes a chapter to each.

It took me a little while to get into the book, but it's an excellent introduction to and aid for one of my favorite prayers.

An excellent book on the Christian concept of humility. Written in an engaging, informal tone, the author tackles the demons of pride and narcissism with respect to contemporary situations. Practicing humility in a world of social media and ladder-climbing work environments are front and center of this book. The author helpfully gives sound guidance and practical tips on living for others, loving others, and practicing both gratitude and humility on a regular basis. Perfect for Lent or for parish small group discussions.

Straight-forward but not simplistic, engaging but not overly complex - Chasing Humily deals with its subject by organising itself around one clear path. The chapters are based around the words of a prayer for us to be free from things that stop us being humble (like the fear of being gossiped about, and being insecure in God's love). So far it has walked the tightrope for me - I am enjoying it and it is making me think - it is clear of fluff but deep enough to have me thinking about it when I am not reading it. I think it will continue to affect me - and I love the reintroduction of the old word 'calumnity'....Recommended.

A supremely powerful read! I am so deeply impressed and changed by this book that I know that I will return to it over and over. More than that, I will suggest it to others too. The lessons contained in this book are profoundly important. Excellent book.