St. Francis did not seek to appear great in the eyes of people. He wanted to disappear so that God could be seen more clearly. He deliberately chose hiddenness. He embraced a life where God saw everything, even if the world saw nothing.

The world teaches us to build our image. St Francis teaches us to empty ourselves.
There is a strange freedom that comes when you no longer need applause, recognition, or constant approval. Your peace is no longer controlled by how others see you.
St. Francis understood that the soul grows quietly. Like roots hidden beneath the earth, holiness does not need to announce itself.
Maybe true greatness begins the moment we stop trying to look great.

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being extolled
Deliver me, O Jesus.
Litany of Humility