The royal palm

La Palma Real is the undisputed queen of the fields of my country. Its enormous plume stands proud above all other trees. Even beaten by the wind it shows elegance and distinction. The palm is a symbol of sovereignty and also of pride. Its problem is that when it stands out above the other trees, it is frequently hit by electric shocks that cause its death.

Then it offers a devastating spectacle: its towering trunk loses all the leaves and becomes a sad solitary stick that exhibits its misery along with the other palms crowned with green and bright leaves. It is precisely what gives him the most beauty, his height, his greatest weakness. Its roots do not tend to run deep and in the event of a hurricane, Palma Real falls easily. It is sad to see how many of them are blown away by the winds.

The Bible says that pride is before breaking, and haughtiness of spirit before falling (Proverbs 16:18). Some have said that Cubans tend to resemble the royal palm. We believe that we know everything, we argue as if our idea were the only valid one, we glory in our rebellion and we look at others as if we were above them. Surely all Cubans are not like that, but some are. Much has been said that in a discussion Cubans never say: my opinion is different from yours, but rather: you are totally wrong.

A little humility is good for all of us. It is known that arrogance and stubbornness are not good helpers for a successful life, but lead to a multitude of mistakes and complications. If we do not value the advice and opinions of others because we believe that we are always right in everything, it could well happen to us like the royal palms that lose their plume and are surrounded by other leafy palms, themselves exhibiting their total dispossession.

The Bible teaches that no one think of himself higher than he should, but think of himself wisely (Romans 12: 3). Recognizing the value and virtues of others while at the same time being able to recognize our limitations is to think with sanity. In the same way that believing that we always have the best idea, ignoring that of others, is a foolish act that can cause complications, disappointments, frustrations and failures.

That is why the Bible insists that when pride comes, dishonor also comes; but with the humble is wisdom (Proverbs 11: 2).

God bless you!