Respect – Where has it gone? Aretha Franklin sang about it. We used to see it lived out around us. It seems these days as I watch and listen, that everyone wants it but few are willing to give it. When I was growing up, we were taught respect. Respect for Self, Respect for Others (persons), and Respect for Property (that of ours and others). It wasn’t a class we took in school, it was a life lesson that we learned by example, direction and correction. Instead of all the “I” and “me” that is heard today demanding respect, “we” learned it, taught it, and gave it.
Respect is not just for the person or persons who we feel deserve it. It’s not just for the “greatest of these” but also for the “least of these”. It’s for the positions those people hold, the parents, elders, teachers, veterans, law enforcement, neighbors, firefighters, grocery clerks, etc. etc. It’s for those lying in Arlington National Cemetery who fought and died for our great nation. It’s for the office of President of these United States – the great country we call ours. It’s the “golden rule” of living – treat others as we would like to be treated. The United States of America. United States – not Divided States.
One Nation Under God. Under God – not Above God.
Its’ not for the “me” but for the “we” that should draw us
back to our roots. If you have ever had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., you will see that our country was founded “under GOD” and with His principles and values. When you visit the monuments, you will see many words written and God’s hand in them. Take a look at our currency. It says, “In God We Trust”. No matter what or in whom you believe, the facts are there. “In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) and in the beginning of our great country, GOD blessed, guided, directed and protected. Our country was not founded upon the god of “self”!
We’re not a perfect people or a perfect country but I notice many trying to get in. However, I see no lines of people trying to get out. For those who won’t stand for our country, I wonder why. If they hate it so much, why don’t they leave for a country they feel would treat them better. Or better yet, why don’t they try to treat their country better by giving it respect. Then maybe they would feel better treated by it.
Let’s get back to a “we” focus instead of a “me” focus. Let’s get back to “united” instead of “divided”. Let’s look to the good of all instead of the desires of one. Let’s give a little respect and hopefully we will get a little in return. Let’s stand firm for our country and not bow down to self-indulgence. Let’s pledge allegiance to our flag and sing our national anthem (The Star-Spangled Banner” loudly and proudly.
Like another song says, “I’m Proud to be an American”!
I recently witnessed an unexpected kindness in an unusual place. I was standing in line to return something at a department store. There were two registers, one in front of me and one to my right. At the register in front of me stood a young mother with a newborn baby. I could not see the baby but I did see his or her tiny feet as the mother was holding the baby while trying to conduct her business. Evidently the baby had been a bit fussy because she had a cart next to her with the baby’s empty car seat in it. As I kept watching (hoping for a glimpse of the little one), she finished her transaction and the clerk was filling a rather large bag for her. Then I heard the clerk say something that surprised me. 
She asked if the young mother would like help out with her things. Then she got on her pager/phone or whatever it was attached to her shirt and asked for assistance. Then she answered the same device and said that the manager would be up in a minute. She also said that he is a great guy and always ready to lend a helping hand. Well, my turn was next at the register to my right so I didn’t see her help arrive or them leave the store. But, when I was walking out, the manager was walking in – smiling. I thanked him for the sweet service he had just given and went about my day smiling as well. Some might say that was a very small thing. However, how was she going to get that cart back into the store (no cart corrals in the parking lot at these stores). I’m sure she was struggling with that thought in her mind. Then came the unexpected blessing. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make the most impact. His act of kindness made an impact on me that day.
We could use a little more kindness in our world today, couldn’t we? I’m going to try to spread a little. After all, good intentions never helped anyone.
God began to show me how her life and ours sometimes feels just like that – a bumper car ride.
Gather Around for God 