Ethics

Quotes from a news article:  Ron Rollins Ideas and Voices Editor

Jerry O'Ryan states:  "Ethics is much like the definition of character, "It's what you do and how you act when no one is looking."

Unfortunately ethics no longer relate well to how we act whether others are watching or not.  Ethics in business and politics are buried into how much money is donated to the cause, influence, political ambitions, kickbacks, publicity, prestige, deception and profit.

Mary Collier states:   Greed, ignorance, abuse of power and maintaining status quo seem to be enemies of ethics and difficult to fight."

The only way to make a positive difference in the world of business associates, family, friends, church members, neighbors, and to ourselves is to rediscover the value of honesty and ethics in our own lives.  We are not responsible for the actions of others.  Blaming others does not let us off the hook. We are responsible for our own actions and reactions.  We can live our lives ethically and become a living example of character and demonstrate ethics for others.  It has to begin somewhere and it starts now with us.    It is a challenge that frees us from uncertainty and guilt and enables trust!  

Check out my book, e book and very soon my audio book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live"

Cave Rescue in Thailand

It has been a long wait for the rescued, their families and rescuers when all of the soccer team members and their coach were finally saved from their underwater ordeal.  Their plight captured the attention and compassion of the world news as the daily saga was reported.  Everyone was so relieved when the entire group was finally out of the cave. 

This was an amazing rescue that was filled with decisions and risks that easily could have ended poorly. There were many courageous people in this story.  The coach and the team players could have easily given up.  Instead they were able to literally keep their heads above water and continued to have hope for a rescue. There was the tremendous bravery of the rescuers who risked travelling through dark, unlit, narrow and hazardous passages with no emergency escapes to locate the lost group and return numerous times to bring supplies, support staff, encouragement and eventually to guide individuals to safety. 

I was so sad to know that one of the divers died in his attempt to reach the location of the trapped team.  While everyone was rejoicing that all of the team and the coach survived, the family and friends of the deceased rescuer were grieving. This story is about faith, hope and love.

What greater love is there for a man or a woman to lay down their life for other human beings that they probably had never known before?  These amazing individuals put their lives in danger to rescue others and faced the real fear of losing their own lives. 

The world is united in one way.  We are all human beings and we can relate to others who are suffering.  We are one world with human beings who experience the same feelings, needs, fears and joys.  We are hope to each other.  There are many "caves" that people are "trapped" in.  We all have opportunities to assist each other without national headlines and notoriety. Each effort on behalf of another is very significant to the person who is experiencing a crisis and meets an earth angel.   

Perfect Strategy

Check out my book, e book and video!Linda Sealock, Reno, Nevada writes:

"When I was four, my mother had her hands full with six children. Luckily, there was our neighbor Berla. Berla 48, had no children, so I had her full attention.  She taught me simple things, like how to care for my teeth, as well as big things, like a love of long walks.  She also taught me to play cribbage, which came with these words of advice.  "There is a perfect strategy for every hand dealt."  That concept has impacted every aspect of my life."

No matter what happens to us in our life, there is a way to make the best of it and come out on top.  We can learn from our mistakes as much as we learn from our successes.  If we take the time to look at our options, it is surprising how creativity and ingenuity can allow us to realize our full potential.

I remember one time, as a single mother, my gas oven quit working. It was hard to function without an oven with multiple children. I didn't have funds to call a repair person. I actually took my oven apart. There were two major components that I took out and I didn't even know their technical names.  I took them to a parts store and asked the employees to check them. One of them was broken and I bought and reinstalled the new one.  I made my children leave our home when I tested the gas oven.  I was afraid it would blow up!  Afterwards, when it worked well, I was amazed at what I was capable of doing.  It took a crisis of sorts to force me to try something I had never done before.  Life challenges make us grow emotionally, psychologically and spiritually as we face potential problems with courage and perseverance. I hope you find your perfect strategy for every hand that you are dealt!

Fourth of July

" I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is.  Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world."
President Ronald Reagan

As we enjoy fireworks, cookouts and celebrations, it is important to remember everyone who made this holiday possible.  It is also our responsibility make sure that we continue to protect this liberty and freedom for our children and grandchildren.
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." President Thomas Jefferson

Thank you to the men and women who have the courage, training and willingness to serve. They and their families sacrifice every day as they move unexpectedly and frequently, have long separations with added stress to marriages and relationships, experience fear, injury, and stress. 

"Courage is nothing more than taking one step more than you think you can." 
Holly Lisle, American writer and poet
Our heroes have taken "one step more than you think you can" as they carry on the ongoing battle for freedom for all Americans. 

I hope you have a wonderful holiday!  Especially all of those who served or are serving in the military and their families! 

Check out my book and E book, The Dying Teach Us How to Live