Always do the right thing.
When you lose your integrity, you lose everything.
Let your word be your bond.
2. Apologize.
Admit when you’re wrong.
Take the first step.
Allow the other person to save face.
3. Ask questions.
Don’t take anything for granted.
Arm yourself with the facts.
Ask: who, what, where, when and how.
On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for Stuart Cohen. Stuart and I worked together for twenty-two years at the Charleston Speech and Hearing Center. If you looked up the word integrity in The Oxford Dictionary of the English Language, there would be a picture of Stuart Cohen. In this day when there are full page newspaper advertisements for hearing aids that are grossly overpriced, I am reminded of the many times that I sat in my office and listened to Stuart talking some older patients out of buying one. I meet people on an almost weekly basis who tell me about the great contributions of the Speech and Hearing Center to the community and about Stuart in particular. In those many years together, Stuart and I discussed a world of subjects and always in a civil manner. Stuart is married to Susan, who is a nurse of the highest order as well as a wonderful person. Susan has the great distinction of teaching me how to make a green bean casserole to take to many functions during my bachelor days. I have known Josh, their son, all of his life and he is a wonderful young man with a thriving veterinarian practice in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I am very proud that I was instrumental in bringing Stuart and Susan back to Charleston. On this Thankful Thursday, I am very thankful for the contributions of Stuart Cohen to my life.
Thankful Thursday is a day set aside to recognize someone who is very important to your life and to let him or her know about your gratitude. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say Something Nice; Be a Lifter. Who are you thankful for today? Let her or him know it. You will be glad that you did.
1. Act with integrity.
Always do the right thing.
When you lose your integrity, you lose everything.
Let your word be your bond.
2. Apologize.
Admit when you’re wrong.
Take the first step.
Allow the other person to save face.
Aug 30
Your integrity is the most important thing you have. Protect it at all costs. When it is gone, it is almost impossible to retrieve. It is who you are. It goes before you and follows after you. You are the message. Your integrity is a precious possession. It takes a lifetime to develop and nurture, but only an instant to lose it. Remember it is far easier to maintain your integrity than it is to reclaim it. My father often said to me, “Son I can’t leave you much money, but I will leave you a name that you can be proud of.” He was right on both counts. I have never had to be ashamed of who I am or whose son I am. My fervent prayer is that my son and daughter will be able to say the same thing. A good name is a far better heritage than money. More money would be nice, but it pales in comparison to a good name. “The supreme quality for leadership is unguestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” Dwight David Eisenhower
Good news! Christian Civility in an Uncivil Worldis is now in the warehouse. We are there at last. Order the book at the Smyth & Helwys website. It is perfect for small group discussions and ideal to help combat hate speech.
