Respect
Respect. The absence of it destroys relationships, undermines partnerships and divides nations. When it is present, there is a path forward through any difficult situation. Respect does not make failure fatal. It does not participate in or condone personal attacks on social media or in person. Respect is something everyone desires but it seems few are willing to offer.
Stop and think a minute. When is the last time you observed mutual respect from two sides who disagreed with one another? If you are like me, the experience left you admiring both sides (notice I did not say agreeing with both sides). The ability to express strong conviction, passion or purpose with respect is a very rare quality. Unfortunately, many buy into the myth that we must personally denigrate those who hold different opinions from our own. When we take the time to listen and respect the person on the other side of the issue, it actually makes our perspective and position stronger.
The easy answer is to tell ourselves that we already know the other side and to label anyone who disagrees with us as simply wrong. That’s not the principle on which this country was founded. More importantly, there are rights that go beyond what our country affords. These are the inalienable rights that come from God. Those rights begin with respecting one another as human beings.
Choosing to show basic respect to someone with whom you completely and totally disagree is a sign of strong and powerful character. Choose to offer respect to those with whom you differ…it’s the right thing to do… and you will make a difference.
Larry
Check out our latest episode on the Crossing the Line Podcast:
Ridiculous 2020
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