The woman at the ice-cream store was very thin and very tan. Her breasts were huge. She was dressed in Gucci and Coach. I disliked her immediately.

"Vapid. Bratty. Fake." I thought.

How did I know that?

Well, she seemed arrogant, that's why. I cannot put up with boasting or self-centeredness. I loathe vanity.

I kept thinking about her. I kept thinking about my judgments of her. And then I thought about Lent.

And then, I wondered aloud, "Aren't I boastful about my intelligence? My faith? My beliefs and ideas? Don't I announce my beliefs to anyone who stands still long enough to listen? Don't I think I'm better than that girl at the ice cream store? Don't I think my hair is prettier than most others'?"

Yes.
And then, I asked myself, "Why am I so arrogant?"

I'm arrogant because I'm insecure. If I look down my nose at others, it is only because I find fault within myself. I'm jealous of the thin, beautiful girl, and I have no reason for it.

Which begs the question: Why suffer a hypocrite? I'm suffering with the most arrogant, vain person I know. I'm suffering myself. "

"All is Vanity" C. Allen Gilbert