The Foundation of Life!

Recently I got into a discussion about integrity, character, principles, and morals. It's become apparent to me after that conversation that those words are misunderstood. So it's hard to be a man or woman of character and integrity with principles and morals if you don't know what they are.

Integrity is having the where-with-all to know the difference between right and wrong and stay on the side of what you believe is right. Character is when you have the nerve to point out that wrong and take steps to correct it.

Example;
Little Susie is being called names in the schoolyard. A person of integrity doesn't participate. A person of character defends Little Susie at personal risk because it's the right thing to do. Character also demands you do what's right even if no one will ever find out. Character is integrity in action.

Your morality is what can be defined differently. You can have integrity and character but if your morals are bankrupt or compromised then it's all built on a foundation of sand. Build a strong moral foundation, re- enforce it with integrity, and have the character to speak out when it's violated.

Let's put it into a building. Morals are the pilings you drive into the ground to re-enforce your principles. Your principles are the foundation of your buildings's integrity. You principles should be laid on a foundation of solid bedrock. The integrity of your building defines how strong it is under adverse conditions. Does it leak when it rains, or is it drafty when the cold arrives? Will it sway when the wind blows? The character is how the building stands in the community. Is it a towering example of architecture or a run down slum tenant?

You can be a person of integrity and character, but if your defending misguided principles based on compromised morals, it doesn't stand for much. (See Bill Maher or Bill Clinton). I hope this helps define how and what we stand for. Are we committed to principles that don't waver and reflect what's good for humanity?

God Bless
Capt. Bill