 |
KIDS OF CHARACTER 11/17
Thanksgiving In America 2008 Part I- Special Reflection
These words appear over the fireplace of the Hind's Head Hotel in Bray-on-Thames near London. While traveling in the late 1950's, Ralph Beebe, read them. Subsequently, he wrote the following brief essay that appeared in The Third Book of Words To Live By. His counsel provides stabilizing wisdom to character mentors...parents, teachers, community leaders, coaches, pastors who guide America's kids this Thanksgiving Season in a nation experiencing tumult. "Too often fear rules over our lives, intruding into every situation. Fear would sit by our sides and whisper gratuitous advice while we make decisions. Fear would seize our sleeves when we step forward. Fear would fray our bodies and our minds. "Fear masquerades in countless forms and names: Doubt, Indecision, Alarm, Anxiety. In dress clothes, Fear becomes terror, horror, shock, consternation. Fear constantly knocks at our door asking to enter our lives. Fear poses as a friend. It claims to be Prudence, Caution, Care, Diligence, and Discretion. But, if we open the house of our lives to Fear, we admit a guest who will not soon or gracefully depart. "Faith is the comrade who will serve us best against Fear. For Fear is shadow, but Faith is real. Faith, too, assumes other shapes and names. There is the Faith that is met as prayer, the alliance with the Almighty that enables one to meet the contrary ways of the world. Faith is the Courage that has battled man's highest ideals. Faith supports us as Confidence, in ourselves and in those we serve and those who serve us. "Keep Faith as a constant companion. When Fear knocks at your door, send Faith to answer. For Faith carries the Light of Truth, dissolving the shadow of Fear that would blot every thought and action." The weekly FINISH LINE article is intended to build the relationship between character mentors and the kids they love. Yet a week does not pass without receiving feedback from a reader who comments, 'Russ, this week's article really helped me face a tough issue.' There are millions of Americans facing tough issues this Thanksgiving. In Southern California families have lost their homes to fires. Throughout our country, employers and laying off employees, while the national and international monetary schizophrenia gyrates without an end game. For many fear is knocking at the door. Let us remind each other to send Faith to answer. Russell Williams is President of Passkeys Foundation Jefferson Center for Character Education. For more information contact us via email at centerjcce@aol.com or visit www.passkeys.org.
|
 |