Nikki Giovanni

This sister touched my spirit years ago with her poem " My House". She said something like "If I wanna cook yams and call em sweet potatoes then I can , because it is my house and my kitchen."It seems that she was free to be and express herself without intent to offend , but if an offence did occur, she would not discontinue her delivery of the message. I admired that. I wondered if this was just her written material and not her actual character. I had the honor of meeting her on a couple of occasions. I was not disappointed with her presence. Ms. Giovanni was consistent with her written word. This in my opinion, was functioning above and beyond, because so many people live inconsistent and double lives. I thought I would share one of her poems with you. Maybe if you like, you can share one of your favorite poetic selections. Until then enjoy.

CHOICES

if i can't do

what i want to do

then my job is to not

do what i don't want

to do

it's not the same thing

but it is the best i can

do

if i can't have

what i want then

my job is to want

what i've got

and be satisfied

that at least there

is something more to want

since i can't go

where i need

to go then i must go

where the signs point

though always understanding

parallel movement

isn't lateral

when i can't express

what i really feel i pratice feeling

what i can express

and none of it is equal

i know

but that's why mankind

alone among the mammals

learns to cry

Respect

To do list

The truth is that even when we die, there will still be things on our "To Do List" that was not completed, and that's o.k. We frustrate ourselves in attempts to finish everything before we can relax , enjoy and appreciate.

The way many of our minds have been conditioned is that we are always looking to finish a project before we can enjoy our life. That project may be school, raising children, losing weight or retiring from a job. The irony of that situation is that as soon as we complete a project, another project is identified in our mind, creating dissatisfaction with our current state of affairs. This makes it difficult for us to enjoy the present. You can't enjoy your work because of thinking about what you are going to do on the weekend. Before the weekend is over you are already thinking about having to get ready for work the next week, and then... plans for next weekend.

To function above and beyond average we must learn to take some "still" time for ourselves everyday. That time is just to give thanks and appreciate what we have and where we are. This way we won't be caught on the treadmill of work, accomplishment, dissatisfaction , new project then back to work again. The dissatisfaction is the disruptive element in that listing of activities. We must find time to enjoy what we have. We get a new car but don't go anywhere of interest other than work. We make more money but don't take time to enjoy spending it on things that will benefit us and our families because we have to work all the time. We order cable television but don't have time to watch it. We join a health club but don't take time to go. We put nice things in our home but are so busy trying to maintain it that we don't have time to enjoy what's inside. We are so busy complaining about not having the "IDEAL" relationship that we miss the value of those who are already in our life.

The purpose of the to do list is to put stuff on it. However, it is important that we remember to put ourselves on the list. Contrary to the opinion of many , that is not being selfish. In fact, if we take good care of ourselves we will be better able to provide for others.

Respect

Survival is just the beginning

In session today we spoke about a woman by the name of Melinda Lopez. This woman fell off of a shrimp boat. She survived the fall but had to last in the water for an excess of thirteen hours before finding an oil rig to rest on. Although finding an oil rig it was another ten hours or so before she was rescued. Survival was just the beginning.

In our RESPECT training we teach that survival is not the end, but it is a necessary step on the way to functioning above and beyond. Even though you overcome one ordeal, it is not over, until it is over. More often than not, we prepare ourselves only for the survival of things like, a test, a surgery, a trip or an even an event, positive or negative. But we don't remain in a state of alertness after that.

A student survives first semester of school and falls off and fails on the second. Survival was just the beginning.

A couple survives the excitement of the wedding day and soon after gets a divorce. Survival was just the beginning.

A patient survives surgery and later gets sick in the aftermath from complications. Survival was again just the beginning.

A mother survives childbirth and now...Well, I think you get the point. Yes, that was just the beginning.

This message is designed to help us not function as the average person who drops their guard prematurely after overcoming a hurdle. But stays alert and prepared at all times. We rise ABOVE and BEYOND.

Respect

Why the difference?

I am very well aware that males and females are different just by nature of physical and emotional make up. But when and how were the standards established that makes certain things acceptable for one and not for the other?

Let's take work for example. Some divide it into two categories. Women and men's work. I wonder what happens if you live alone. Is a man doing woman's work if he cooks , cleans or grows flowers? Now for a woman, If she does carpentry, plumbing and fixes on cars does that make her manly and not woman like?

How about relationships? If a man has a lot of women that he sexually deals with, some refer to him as a Player or maybe a Pimp. I know some of you call him a "Dog". By the way have you noticed that men have been called dogs so long that we now refer to ourselves affectionately as that? Anyway back to the subject. If a woman deals with a lot of men sexually she is considered a whore or "Hoe" ( depending on where you are from.) This is not to suggest that either one is right, I am just pointing out the differences.

How about sensitivity? If a woman does not show emotion she is sometimes referred to as trying to be "hard" like a man. If a man shows sensitivity, he is sometimes referred to as being soft like a woman. Where is the balance?

There are so many terms, habits and mind sets that keep us divided more and more. I am not saying that men and women should be more like each other. I am saying that usually the differences are used in putting one gender down while ignoring or condoning the same behavior other one.

For us to function above and beyond it would be good to appreciate the strength of our women without criticism and respect the sensitivity in men without being demeaning. However balance is always important. Until Monday.

Respect

I will love you until...

Do you believe that conditions exist on pure love? There are so many people who say they will love you as long as you have a job, as long as you love me, as long as you are faithful and so on and so on. Does pure love function in this manner? What would happen if you allowed yourself to love someone JUST BECAUSE?

When we look at pure love, let's see if we really do control it. There are those who say there is such a thing as love at first sight, (If that exist... And I believe it does.) How could that have been planned and controlled? Did it just happen. It seems that love has an existence of it's own. It seems that we can force it to appear BUT it will not be in the purest form because it will need conditions to exist. You know what I mean? A house, money, convenience.

Many people believe that if you love someone then you are suppose to marry that person, OR spend the rest of your life with them. Who came up with that idea? Seriously. Think about it. If you find that you love someone what do you believe you are suppose to do? Maybe the answer is just love them. Treat them with respect, maybe share time and experiences with them, if that is appropriate. By the way it may not be appropriate. Yes, the person you love MAY be married to someone else. Does that mean that you can't love them? Maybe it means that you can't share things with them that you would share if they were not married but what does that have to do with loving them?

Imagine the gift that would be to give a person, unconditional love. The question is can you manufacture that kind of love if it does not already exist? A love without expectations. There is so much that we do ONLY if we get the same thing or close to it in return. Why do we do this? Some people don't speak to strangers not because of fear of physical harm but fear that the person may not speak back. What does that have to do with our expressions of kindness...If we are coming from a pure place.

Now this does not mean that we should teach our children to not say thank you or return kind acts and expressions to others when they express that to them . It does mean that we may not want to allow others to control our expressions of love IF we feel it AND if we seek to function above and beyond.

Imagine the freedom to love and expect nothing in return. Is there anyone that you love unconditionally? This is by no means suggesting that anyone accept disrespectful treatment. It is just designed to help all of us become more free to function from our highest self. I have included the words to the song "AS" by Stevie Wonder. I think if we must use conditions, he provides some very good ones.

Respect

STEVIE WONDER LYRICS
"As"
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May Just as hate knows love's the cure You can rest your mind assure That I'll be loving you always As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow But in passing will grow older every day Just as all is born is new Do know what I say is true That I'll be loving you always Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky---ALWAYS Until the ocean covers every mountain high---ALWAYS Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea---ALWAYS Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream Did you know that true love asks for nothing Her acceptance is the way we pay Did you know that life has given love a guarantee To last through forever and another day Just as time knew to move on since the beginning And the seasons know exactly when to change Just as kindness knows no shame Know through all your joy and pain That I'll be loving you always As today I know I'm living but tomorrow Could make me the past but that I mustn't fear For I'll know deep in my mind The love of me I've left behind Cause I'll be loving you always Until the day is night and night becomes the day---ALWAYS Until the trees and seas just up and fly away---ALWAYS Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4---ALWAYS Until the day that is the day that are no more Did you know that you're loved by somebody? Until the day the earth starts turning right to left---ALWAYS Until the earth just for the sun denies itself I'll be loving you forever Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through---ALWAYS Until the day that you are me and I am you---AL~~~~~~WA~~ ~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~ Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky~~~~~AA~~~~ ~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~YS~~ALWAYS We all know sometimes lifes hates and troubles Can make you wish you were born in another time and space But you can bet you life times that and twice its double That God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed so make sure when you say you're in it but not of it You're not helping to make this earth a place sometimes called Hell Change your words into truths and then change that truth into love And maybe our children's grandchildren And their great-great grandchildren will tell I'll be loving you Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky--Loving you Until the ocean covers every mountain high--Loving you Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea--Loving you Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream--Be loving you Until the day is night and night becomes the day--Loving you Until the trees and seas up, up and fly away--Loving you Until the day that 8x8x8x8 is 4--Loving you Until the day that is the day that are no more--Loving you Until the day the earth starts turning right to left--Be loving you Until the earth just for the sun denies itself--Loving you Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through--Loving you Until the day that you are me and I am you-- Now ain't that loving you Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky Ain't that loving you Until the ocean covers every mountain high And I've got to say always Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea~~AL~~~WA~~~AYS Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream-Um AL~~WA~~AYS Until the day is night and night becomes the day-AL~~~~WA~~AYS Until the trees and seas just up and fly away-AL~~WA~~~AA~~~~~ Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA~~~~~~~AA Until the day that is the day that are no more-AA~~~~AA~~AA~~~AYS Until the day the earth starts turning right to left-AL~~~WA~~~A~~~AA Until the earth just for the sun denies itself-~~AA~~~AA~~~AA~~~AYS Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through-AL~~~WAYS Until the day that you are me and I am you Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky Until the ocean covers every mountain high Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream Until the day is night and night becomes the day Until the trees and seas just up and fly away Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4 Until the day that is the day that are no more Until the day the earth starts turning right to left Until the earth just for the sun denies itself Until dear Mother Nature says her work is through Until the day that you are me and I am you

Do you say what you mean?

How often is it that you say this? " I know what I said, but that's not what I meant to say." Words are very critical in order to have and maintain effective communication. But maybe you feel that's too much thinking. How often do you consider what you are going to say before you say it? There are those who feel it is easier to apologize for something said unintentional than to think prior to speaking. The tongue is capable of leaving lasting impressions for positive or negative wounds that may not heal without scars.

I was listening to some news reporters speaking after the verdict of the Michael Jackson case. There were quite a few to say " He was ACQUITTED, that does not mean he is INNOCENT." They are very particular about the language and use of words.

I was taught when recording conditions of clients in a state hospital to ONLY write what you see, NOT what you think it means. For instance, If it was during the night and I had to document, I would write something like this: The client was noted lying in his bed with his eyes closed breathing. I could not write. The client was sleeping. Do you see the difference?

What if your doctor was not specific in his language to you concerning your condition or to his assistants during surgery? What about an attorney defending a case for you . How about an employer in his instructions to you concerning your job responsibilities?

The above areas seem pretty obvious, but why is it that we seem to sometimes not take our words in personal conversation as serious? Maybe we believe we should be able to relax when we are with friends and not have to really say what we mean. There is even the possibility that we have become accustomed to talking to people who don't really listen, therefore we are not as conscious about what we say. I find that people who know they are listened to seem to be a little more conscious about what they say before they say it. What do you think about that?

While on the subject of words , they say there are thousands of words available to us, but most people stop adding words to their vocabulary in their late twenties to early thirties. When is the last time you added a new word to your language? Is your language above and beyond average?

There is always the matter of interpretation. That is a topic for another discussion . This week we would like you to do two things. 1) See if you are actually saying what you mean in conversation and 2) add one new word to your conversation this week. I believe if you do this it will have a renascent effect on your communication.


Respect

You wanna talk to who???

If given an opportunity to talk with anyone you would like, who would you choose? Some choose millionaires . Others choose religious leaders. There are those who choose political figures. Some might even select long lost friends or family members.

Think further about if you would want to listen or speak or both. I continue to believe that what we need is already available to us. I dare say that much of what we want is also available to us if we really want it.

I pose to you the same questions I have asked previously. Do you have a burning desire to communicate with this person? Are you willing to put in the required work to make it happen? Lastly, are you willing to make a plan and follow it? Once these questions are answered we discover how serious we are about what we say we want. Many operate only according to the manner the question was asked earlier, which is. "If given the opportunity..."


We are waiting for someone to give us the opportunities we want. Think for a moment about the person that you would like to talk with. Have you made any efforts to communicate with that person within the last two weeks? If the answer is no, then you are most likely waiting for someone to do it for you, OR maybe you don't really want to do what you said. Maybe you just think it's a pretty good idea, if it happens on it's own, with no work from you. If the answer is yes and you have made attempts, then this just means your work is not over yet. There could also be the mental barrier like maybe we believe that we are not important enough to communicate with individuals of a certain celebrity.

The goal of this message is to help us look at and believe that when we are functioning above and beyond, we can accomplish whatever we want, even if it is as simple as having a conversation with that special person. There is no human on this earth more valuable than you are or less. You have GREATNESS inside of you. You can make your dreams a reality.

Respect

Thirty to ninety days

They say that it takes the average person only thirty to ninety days to end up in a situation that could render them homeless, if they were not able to get a check from their regular jobs. That's a pretty profound thought. We ride by homeless people and on occasion pass judgment on their lot in life. How many bad decisions do you think it took for him or her to end up in that situation? There is a statement that I learned when I worked in a Detox unit. It goes like this: "But for the grace of God go I." This is a statement that can keep us humble if we believe it and ponder it. In one instant, your whole life can change. If you question that, ask the mother whose six month old baby was shot by boys riding by their house on bicycles, while they sat on their porch.

Residual /passive income is a term that some have been aware of for a while , but for those of us who have not taken the time to learn or practice developing those monetary habits then it may be necessary for us to do what others are already doing. Such as read financial literature, communicate with a financial advisor and connect with others who are investing their money in that manner. If we don't know anyone personally, we can read or listen to audio tapes of those who are knowledgeable about money and investing.

There are many chances for us to develop investment opportunities so that our money can work for us. One of the basic things that might help us is reading a book called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." One interesting point the book made was that many of us don't know the difference between an asset and a liability. The book says that most think that a house is the ideal asset, but if it is not making us money then it is a liability. We might also benefit from remembering that money is not the end, it is a means to an end.

There is so much information available to those who want to function above and beyond if we just look for it. It truly does take a lot of effort to redirect our movement if we have been doing things a certain way for a while. Are you up for the challenge?

Thirty to ninety days. That's not a lot of time is it? What will you do now?

Respect

Now that's too much information

There are people who communicate on a need to know basis. Above and Beyond wonders today, who is it that really needs to know AND when is information too much?

The government will not provide all of the information that is going on in the country in terms of terrorist threats to avoid panic. Are we getting not enough, or too much?

I was at a concert once when the power went out. By activating one of my survival strategies, I got close to the officials that were getting information from the outside. I discovered (with my covert tactics) that the building and it's guest were in danger and needed to evacuate immediately. The announcements of the level of threat and danger was never given to the general population. Not enough information? Who needed to know more?

Local police officials told me personally, they did not want citizens notifying other residents about robbery's by written notice, for fear of their reaction. See what I mean?

If you had a family member going into a country that is at war, how much information would you want on a daily basis about that war?

If your significant other found themselves attracted to another person, do you need to know that? Why or why not?

If someone flirts and expresses a personal interest in you, do you need to share that information with your significant other? Why or why not?

If you are diagnosed with a serious illness possibly terminal, should you share that with everyone? Who determines who should know?

Who should decide what should be shared? The person with the information OR the person who wants to know???

As a mandated reporter to the state. I was instructed to share any information that a client may provide if it was a physical threat to themselves or others. So let's rule that one out. Now, tell me this. When is information too much and when is it not enough?

Frustration in life often comes between individuals when expectations are not met. We at Headquarters think it is possible that we are not all using the same standards and rules. Therefore our expectations are off center. Also due to the sensitivity of the subject we often don't even ask the questions OR we lie to protect the one asking the questions. That's not right is it? Or is it?

Maybe you can discuss this around the water cooler today. I will talk with you again on Monday. Remember, we strive to function ABOVE and BEYOND.

Respect

Did you know that's contagious?

What you have as the dominating traits of your character is highly contagious . The incubation period may be years after first exposed. For instance, the infestation of negativity produces symptoms of pessimism in those who are around it for a period of time. That may take the form of complaining, discussing problems more often than solutions, speaking in a condescending way about others, hollering, angry outburst that may result in violence, and holding resentments. Now the devastating thing about contagious infections is that they also feed on their own existence until full blown. The eyes are usually affected at the onset of the condition and continue to deteriorate with the progression of this infestation making the patient unable to see themselves as they actually are.

There is also the saturation of positive thinking and enthusiasm that some are consumed with. I have personally watched this up close among most of my colleague's. You should see what happens when a person gets around someone who has a full blown case of positive thinking with secondary optimism. It causes others to get excited about living. They give greater attention to being in good shape in the four aspects of life. Their mind, heart, body and spirit. They start to encourage other people in their efforts more. They compliment instead of criticize. They look for solutions instead of just identifying problems. They create win/win situations in their negotiations. They live their days like holidays instead of working five days looking forward to two off. This also feeds on itself until it consumes the whole person.

On occasion these two elements meet in the same room, and some times in the same person. This is when the GREAT battle begins for the survival of the fittest. To function above and beyond we must remember that both of these are VERY powerful and EXTREMELY contagious. (The friend of a fool is a fool. The friend of a wise person is another wise person. Who are you walking with?) They may lay dormant for years and then resurface. If you notice either of these present, please prepare yourself to embrace or quarantine. Nurture or eliminate.

Currently YOU my dear readers are contagious. The question is: what are you spreading?

Respect

Moments to remember

I had the honor to share a Gymnasium stage in Medgar Evers school of Chicago, Illinois today with some FANTASTIC personalities which included many of the recent graduates of the Men and Women of RESPECT Training. There were so many moments to remember that were truly breathtaking. Let me share them with you.

We began by welcoming the students and teachers to this event. One brother, joined by a very strong young sister, opened the session with the RESPECT affirmation. This was followed by approximately one hundred and fifty students going into complete Q.T. (Quiet Time). That is complete silence with their eyes closed...until we brought them out. OUTSTANDING!!! Lamont Brown and I then began recapping the messages of this school year. Where could we possibly go from here? Well, the tap performance group: MADD RHYTHMS entered the stage six or seven strong. They created such an electrifying performance that even the Global Director of Training, Lamont Brown, and I had difficulty not attempting to dance along with the dancers...Of course we would have had somewhat of a different timing.

Following the performance by MADD RHYTHMS, L. Brown and I delivered messages of empowerment to the real stars of the day. By the way, the real stars of the day were the sixth, seventh and eighth grade male and female students. They were VERY respectful , disciplined and attentive for the 1 & 1/2 hour of this RESPECT culminating experience.

At this point Sister Lisa Muhammad and Brother Edward, Drill Team masters, came forward with their male and female team members and took discipline and respect Above and Beyond average. They engaged the audience and kept young and old on the edge of their seats. With their look, synchronized movements, military postures and salutes ou wee!!! TRUE moments to remember. Once again, the Global Director of Training Lamont Brown and I had to restrain ourselves from joining in with a little fancy footwork of our own...OH, we could have done it if we wanted to.

It was the goal of the Men and Women of RESPECT to create memories that would last. We did not want to just give a traditional certificate or pin that may end up on the floor, drawer or possibly in a frame. We wanted something that would touch their hearts. Isn't that what life is all about? Creating memories that can last a lifetime.

We ended with the message of "STAY STRONG and STAY READY" and what it takes to do that. Mr. Brown always delivers the final word of "The more you know. The more you owe."

Much respect to MADD RHYTHMS www.maddrhythms.com, Brother Edward and Sister Lisa of "The Nation of Islam" and their disciplined drill team, the MEN and Women of RESPECT, the teachers and students that we have had the pleasure of working with for the 2004- 2005 school year, the Principal Ms. Singleton and my Global Director of Training: L. Brown whom I could not have done this without, and you readers for allowing me to share these moments to remember.

Respect

Close your eyes

The validation that you need, to show that you are valuable can be found within. Close your eyes, be still and breath.

Don't rush this process. You have your life. You have the history of the Great men and women that came before you. You have your life.

You have the option to say YES or NO to whatever you want as long as you are prepared for the consequences of your choice. Relax and breath. They did not list your name in the obituary today. You don't need someone else to say that you are valuable. Know that you are, based on your presence alone. You are alive.

To live above and beyond we must often times stop, be still and close our eyes and appreciate first that we are, then who we are , then what we have. When we fail to do this we can become uncomfortable with ourselves which will make it difficult for us to be comfortable with anyone else. Once we are able to be who we are then we don't have to live our lives trying to control others. Take a little time EVERY day for you to just... close your eyes.

Respect

Did you do what you intended?

There are many people who at the end of their day feel that they were not able to accomplish the things they intended to. The reason for this may be that the intention existed without a defined plan. How many times do you INTEND to do things but never commit them to paper or create a definite plan for how you will accomplish those things? "If you fail to plan , you plan to fail."

It is not uncommon to hear people say that they are not good at writing things down but yet neither are they good at accomplishing what they set out to do. A step by step plan is definitely moving in the right direction for getting things done.

There is another thing that we must watch out for in order to accomplish what we intend. That is the distractions that we allow to take president over our plans. Sometimes they are called emergencies. What is your measuring tool for what an emergency is? Do you allow other people to decide what an emergency is for you? If so, then I think you know who is in control of your life. What about phone calls? Do you have the courage to tell your callers that you are busy or working or relaxing and can not speak with them at that time? It is your time isn't it? How can you ever take care of what you have scheduled to accomplish if you are controlled by your callers. Just because a phone rings do you feel that you HAVE TO answer it?

To function above and beyond we must take control of our own lives. Once we gain control we must work to maintain control. Then we will be on the road to accomplishing what we set out to do, above and beyond what is average.

Respect

Stressful times

There are times when time seems to be limited for us to accomplish all of the things that we need to do. This is usually when our stress level seems to elevate. This stress elevation in us often creates a reaction in other people that is uncomfortable and unpleasant.

To function above and beyond we must remember that others may not be experiencing the urgency of the moments that we are. Therefore what may appear appropriate to us may seem irrational to those who must be in contact with us during those times. If we continue to protect ,organize and prioritize our time we will be better able to manage our difficult moments.

Respect

Anyway?

"Our clothes , our hair our jewelry and such. Our cars and our home , would they mean just as much, if no one responded, I mean not even one word. Would your purchasing habits somehow be deterred?

Is it really for us that we shop and we dress, or is it for others that we try to impress?
I do my own thing I don't care what folks say. Will you also teach your children to live THEIR lives that way? To just do what they feel, forget what people say. But now your son is selling drugs and your unmarried daughter has another baby on the way.

To name all that we do would be quite a chore. So I ask you this, whose opinion do YOU most adore?

With our jobs and our hobbies I'm just trying to say, If you impressed not a soul, would you do them ANYWAY?"

To operate above and beyond we must recognize the level of influence that the opinion of others has on our habits and decisions. We must also realize that we may not be acting with wisdom to function without regard for the affect that our lives has on others.

Respect

Let's draw the line

With the passing of time I have noticed that instead of the generations becoming more disciplined they are becoming less disciplined. Not too many years ago I stated that if a child continued on a course of disrespect and rebellion that they would not be successful. However I was watching some music videos and what I saw portrayed was disrespect, rebellion and violence. The same behaviors I previously stated would result in a downfall. A niche has been created for it to not only exist but flourish. I was able to reflect on various neighborhoods where I see those same images displayed and given honor. Where will it really end? Will there just be constant adaptation as we have noticed up to this point?

It appears that instead of drawing the proverbial line, society has adapted to the trends initiated by the profiteers to continue supporting the belief that: " If it makes money it makes sense." I personally add to that: "regardless of the cost or collateral damage that may result." Who is there left to say enough is enough? Who even wants to? I recall a time in my short life when I thought I would not see in the schools, streets and hear on the radio much of what I hear today. It seems that in our attempt to be understanding and flexible that we have become more and more tolerant of what was previously considered unacceptable behavior. But why?

To function above and beyond we might want to look at drawing the line in our homes , families and maybe even in our circles of influence. Of course there is the possibility that we may be considered obsolete in our way of thinking because of not adapting and blending with the newest moral trends or family values. Therefore we should ask ourselves the question: if we don't draw the line who will, and at what point and if not now, when?

Respect