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KIDS OF CHARACTER 5/18/2009
What Is Personal Integrity? He was one of America’s great 20th century businessmen. He built a business empire on the foundation of personal integrity. His name was W. Clement Stone. This great American business leader influenced the character development of many through his writings. Once, he commented on integrity saying, “Have the courage to say ‘No.’ Have the courage to face the Truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magical keys to living your life with integrity.” Like a sturdy walking stick, Stone’s three point guidance system offers a strong foundation for personal integrity. Let’s unlock Stone’s three keys to help adult mentors guide their budding kids of character: A person of integrity: * has the courage to say No. Choice-making defines integrity. Daily, we are confronted with small choices based upon Yes or No. Do I take advantage of an honest mistake by another? Yes or No? Do I take money from the wallet that I find outside the grocery store in the parking lot? Yes or No? Kids of Character need to experience the personal courage to say No. * has the courage to face the Truth. Opinions and feelings do not always lead us to the truth. Often they only deceive. When we are wrong and we know it, do we acknowledge it or do we become blind to the truth? That is the question for a person of integrity. Facing the truth may require taking a step back, swallowing our pride and admitting, “I’m wrong on this one!” Kids of character need to know they can pursue the truth by re-thinking past actions. * does the right thing because it is Right. Will you seek the good of others? Will you widen the circle of your caring to reach out to those in need? Will you let your conscience guide you to do the right thing? Kids of Character learn to listen to their own self-monitoring still, small voice that promotes doing right in all things.
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