RESPECT
Show respect to people who don’t even deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.
We respect the true self in other people, even if we don’t agree with their words, their actions, or their beliefs.
Submit your personal story or favorite illustration, quote, Bible verse, etc. that illustrates a specific virtue to [email protected], then click on the virtue of your choice on the Virtues page to see your story or the stories and illustrations of others.
May 18, 2021:
The word “Respect” is from the French for “re-inspect.” To take a second look. To look deeper. To not just “see,” but to recognize…to recognize the stamp of the creator on that which we look upon. When we are able to do this, when we are really able to see others for who and what they truly are, creation for the miracle that it truly is…then we just naturally “respect” them/it. We show them/it respect, treat them with respect, treat our environment with respect. (AN)
August 5, 2021
Wendy Bolender submitted the following regarding “Reverence,” truly a virtue, but alas, one that is not in the book! Wendy suggests it ties in with Respect; I agree. I would suggest that Reverence also includes Gentleness, Graciousness, Honoring, and perhaps Mindfulness. Since all the virtues have Love at their heart, they all are related!
“When we approach with reverence great things decide to approach us.
Our real life comes to the surface and its light awakens the concealed beauty in things.
When we walk on the earth with reverence, beauty will decide to trust us.”
——— John O’Donohue
July 18, 2021
When I think of people I respect, one name that is near the top of the list is Phil Hawk, retired CEO of the company I myself retired from in 2010, Team Industrial Services Inc.
I only ever knew Phil to be a man of integrity, a truly humble man who “walked the talk” and treated all others with interest and respect. Phil was constant, level-headed and level-hearted, and always treated me more like family than an employee.
In fact, there was a specific time when Phil “sealed the deal” for me in how I viewed and respected him. Team Industrial Services was about to get listed on the NASDAQ as a public company, and Phil was in New York and appearing on TV for the occasion. Phil gave a short speech, in which he spoke of Team and the people who made up Team. Instead of calling us his “employees,” he referred to all his “colleagues” at Team. I don’t know why that surprised and impressed me so much; that’s the way Phil invariably treated all of us.
Thank you Phil Hawk, for your great leadership and your flawless example.
—Art Nicklaus
“One of the most sincere forms of Respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”