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mid west, United States
A retired Government paper pusher trying to make sense of something

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Remember Honor?




























I'm kind of old fashioned, hence the title of my site. I was raised to believe that honor was an important part of what it meant to be a man. As a young man I thought that there was a simple formula to being honorable, a kind of checklist. As I aged of course I came to realize that nothing in this veil of tears is that simple. Certainly not what it takes to be an honorable man. If you dig deep enough almost everyone has done something less than honorable. Our wonderful media makes a holy quest out of that job. Perfection does not exist in this life. We all make mistakes in judgment. No I'm not doing a mea culpa. I save that for Mass. So what's the answer? Once again damned if I know. I just know that wrong feels wrong. But somewhere someone had to show you what is wrong behavior. I think that is where we most fail as a society. Some things are natural I guess, but most values have to be taught. Honesty, work ethic, a sense of decency, all theses things and more must be taught and shown by example. But in the mix you need to add one very important virtue. When someone stumbles and is bowed and bloodied like old Y A in the photo above you must have the ability to stretch out your hand and sincerely say "I forgive you".
So "Teach your children well!"

16 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post.... Unfortunately some of us are raised by parents who were damaged by theirs...so-o-o-o we must hold ourselves to our own moral compass!
    Love,
    Marilyn
    xxoo

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  2. You know, more and more I want to run to the hills and say, "Enough with you world! I don't want to deal with you anymore." I know that's not the answer necessarily, but really, how much DO we have to put up with? I just get tired of so many having lost common courtesy and decency. I just get tired of it. Do I really have to put up with it for life? Why?

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  3. Beautifully said! Kind yet sure, firm yet generous. Love this post and your blog. Merci beaucoup, for those moments of pleasure. You are such a Gentleman and surely such a gentle man.

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  4. I agree with you James. I don't think we should ever forget compassion...The ability to forgive is so important in life... Well said.

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  5. I think what makes it easier to forgive is that all (correction: MOST) people mean well.

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  6. James, these last two posts, both extraordinary, show what a fine, good man you are.

    It seems to me that judging others has turned into a national sport in the States. Yes we must teach our children well, teach them about honor and forgiveness.

    Thank you again for reminding us.

    Your faithful friend,
    Tish

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  7. One of the traits I admired so much about my husband when we were dating is his honor. I had never met anyone (other than my father) who felt that your word was incredibly important. He truly has honor & lives his life accordingly. Have you ever heard of the book - "Rules for My Unborn Son"? (also on facebook), I do think you might just enjoy reading it!?

    Happy new week to you James : D

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  8. Amen James - Amen. The Mrs and I spout about things like this on a fairly regular basis about the current generation that seems to be in control of many things. It seems that many feel "good enough" is good and to bend the rules a OK. When did fair and honest and good and kind and manners go out the window?

    DAG

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  9. James,one powerful post!
    Thank you.

    Always Bumby

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  10. As always, a superb post, so well put!
    We must gather up in the name of all that is good and decent and change our society, for it is 'ours' and has become what we, as a society, have allowed it to become.
    James, if you can indulge me for a moment, I have a little favor to ask of you, please email me whenever you have a chance.
    Hope you and your boys have a wonderful week!

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  11. James,
    You've done it again. You have such a way of saying exactly what I think, but you do it with the perfect words and sentiment. This was perfection on the topic of honor. Thanks. Rita

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  12. Sage advice.
    Who among us should cast a stone?

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  13. Hello James....I was introduced to your blog by Ruth over at The Beautiful Life. I'm so glad to become a follower of your blog. This post was a great one...my husband and I are ALWAYS - almost daily - saying that the problems of the world could be minimized if parents would "teach their children well" - it's all about morals and manners in my opinion. Many children lack those today. I can't wait to read more...Destiny

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  14. My husband always was and still is an honorable man. His loyalty and integrity is like no other that I know. Very few and far between here in America. He has passed it down to his son and grandson. What a wonderful post and many thanks for giving it to us to pass along.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  15. What a wonderful, inspiring post and photo! Thank you!

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