Integrity

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Definitions:

• adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
• a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
• unity; wholeness

Integrity is one of the fundamental principles of life and an important part of the rock bed foundation in helping others to help themselves and provides each of us with the correct framework for doing the right thing.

A house starts with good plans, a solid foundation that adheres to the community codes of construction and safety for the owners.  Parents set the example for their children by their actions.  Confucius said “Integrity of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

Spencer Johnson said, “Integrity is telling myself the truth.  And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” Strong and meaningful words to guide ourselves by in the hectic world we live in and it is not always easy to do.

One of my favorite authors, John D. MacDonald, and his series about Travis MeGee, helped me survive an otherwise boring Mediterranean deployment in the 70’s has an interesting quote regarding integrity.  “Integrity is not conditional word.  It doesn’t blow in the wind or change with the weather.  It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won’t cheat, then you know he never will.”

Oprah Winfrey is an amazing woman who has accomplished so very much in her life.  My first and most memorable exposure to her was in the movie, The Color Purple.  She has done so much good and giving to others, most folks are aware of that which is been noted on her show and other public events. she also does many good things out of the spot light and away from the cameras.  Her quote, “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” It should be second nature, not something one needs to think about, just simply do it.

“Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you.” ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

We hope you will take a few minutes to reflect and share with us your thoughts and comments.  Wishing you a wonderful day.