Big Brother Blog: What Do You Stand For?

Thursday, November 11, 2010

What Do You Stand For? | The BridgeMaker

Posted: 10 Nov 2010 05:43 PM PST

A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything. – Malcolm X

Inspiration has a way of finding us when we least expect it.

I had the opportunity to visit a unique inner city high school recently. The school, part of the Cristo Rey network, teaches more than math and science – it teaches what hope looks like to about 300 students who want just one chance to be successful.

My tour guide, a senior who spoke with a mature confidence, knew where he was in life. More important, he knew where he was going. His quiet humility was engaging and his foundation appeared strong.

As we walked the school hallways, I had the sense his strong foundation wasn't built entirely on his academic knowledge. He also seemed to have a clear understanding of the virtues he stood for in life. The young man spoke of passion, loyalty and gratitude. His presence radiated responsibility, creativity and self-discipline. Simply put, the young man's character seemed as grounded as his resolve to improve his life – and he was willing to share these beliefs with me.

It was my pleasure to receive them.

The visit had a profound impact on me. While I often share ideas for serving others, rarely do I share my personal beliefs. It's not that I hide my beliefs; it's just sometimes I forget to tell the world what's important to me.

Thanks to my self-assured tour guide, and my visit to a beautiful school brimming with hope, I received some unexpected inspiration to declare what I stand for, too.

Kindness

Kindness is like snow; it makes everything it covers more beautiful.

Empathy

Understanding why people feel a certain way is as helpful as understanding how they feel.

Respect

I show others the respect they deserve – it's all automatic after that.

Do the right thing

Doing the right thing may not always feel as good, but it will after the temptation passes.

Be accountable

I own my life – no one else.

Love well

I try to love myself first and then give more love than I take.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a gift I give to myself so I can be free from the past.

Never give up

No matter how loud the enemy of my soul shouts, "You can't do it," I will keep the faith.

Happiness

True happiness is being content with exactly what I have.

Live in the middle

Somewhere between the high highs and the low lows is a perfectly comfortable middle.

Leave it better

I hope when my time is over, I will leave the world a little better because I was here.

What do you stand for?

What are your most fundamental beliefs – your beliefs about life, love and about being you? Please share in Comments below. Reading this by email? Please visit the blog to share – just click here.

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Tell me what you want: I will help you achieve it.