Respect
The word respect is often used, but very rarely honored. What do I mean you may ask? The society we live in says, “Respect me and my wishes”, however, many times respect seems to be only a one way street.
That understanding, clearly, goes against the order in which we were created to follow. Becoming a person others want to respect brings the understanding that respect is earned and given. If you want others to respect you, then become a respectable person. I would like to ask a question, who should be respected more, the person who goes to work 8-5 every day, or the inmate who dedicates his time rehabilitating his life every day?
What if I told you that they both had struggles in life, would your view change? The problem is we want change, but we do not want to be part of that change. That is selfish and unfruitful. Remember if you’re not part of the solution, then you’re possibly part of the problem.
When a community comes together, they get stronger. When a Nation comes together, they become wiser. As John C. Maxwell says: “people naturally follow leaders stronger then themselves.” To lead requires a certain level of respect.
You will not get very far demanding something that you, yourself refuse to give. For once listen to the screams for justice… they are in the streets. They’re in the Governmental offices. They are even in the prison system. If you listen to the whispers, you will not have to listen to the screams. You do not have to remain silent, but if you choose to, then God will use somebody else.
THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS TO ANY PLACE WORTH GOING… BEVERLY SILLS