The Soul Trait of Humility is one that many struggle with. It requires finding a balance that lets the ego go without denying your own importance and growth. When families affected by Alport Syndrome came together to advocate for themselves in 2007, their actions and the foundation they created struck a perfectly harmonious Humility chord, and American Mussar is pleased to award them with our Point of Light recognition.

Alport Syndrome is a genetic disorder that ultimately leads to kidney failure, and can also cause impairments to vision and hearing. For years, research into this syndrome was limited and there was a lack of advocacy for the many families suffering from this disease. Thanks to the work of the Alport Syndrome Foundation, this is beginning to change.

Humility teaches us that not every situation is about us, and that we shouldn’t always be seeking credit or recognition for our actions—because there are other people and forces involved in everything we accomplish. At the same time, too much Humility can cause us to endure needless suffering, to accept negative situations instead of working to solve them.

The Alport Syndrome Foundation is made up of families who saw themselves as important enough to fight for, but who do not seek personal aggrandizement or recognition for their actions. They are working to end a terrible disease that directly affects them, but from a spirit of self-worth and appropriate action, not from a stance of either victimhood or arrogance.

Their Humility is a lesson for all trying to get their Soul Traits in balance, and American Mussar is happy to donate to such a worthy cause. If you would like to contribute as well, you can do so here.

#iAMHumility