Integrity and Respect are Two Sides of the Same Coin

“Twitters and Twigs” 11×14 oil on canvas

On NBC Nightly News they reported on a Neurologist who was treating five different women for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Each had had expensive tests, including an MRI and had been prescribed meds that were costing upwards of several hundred to thousands of dollars per month. In their efforts to get financial relief, the women obtained second opinions that revealed they did not have MS.

The reporter said “The doctor was nothing more than a ‘con’ man. “He got away with it because he was a well-known and respected doctor. He was charming. He had charisma and a friendly persona.”

The downfall of a once successful man can usually be blamed not only on dishonesty, but lack of integrity. The doctor knew what he was doing was wrong, but he thought he could get away with it. He didn’t really care that his actions were criminal or that it would cause others pain. He only thought of himself and the money that would end up in his own pocket. Now he has been revealed for what he really is on the inside: a thief, a liar, and a selfish greedy scum bag. The man is an “empty suit.”

Turkey Buzzards circling for a feast

They are around us everywhere, even on the elevated floors of congress and in the highest halls of academia. The rules that others play by, they simply ignore: “Put your money where your mouth is; you talk a good game, can you play a good game?” Actions always speak louder than words.

If you “live by the sword,” you will usually die by the sword. “What goes around comes around.” If your poison tongue spews venom outward to deceive others, eventually your words and acts will come back to haunt you or destroy you. In the past, people shook hands in agreement; their word was as good as a signed contract. When did words come to mean so little?

Speaking of words, do people trust that you will do what you say?” Are you reliable? When your name comes up in private conversations will the discussion be positive? Is your character praiseworthy?

Reputations are built one step at a time through the accumulation of successful interactions with others. Integrity strengthens those negotiations. Integrity once earned, cannot be taken from you. It is a priceless quality that is valued and appreciated by many, but cannot be purchased, stolen or copied.

“Fish Market” 24×18 acrylic on canvas

Integrity is that part of your being that is deeply enmeshed with fiber, tissue, heart and soul. It is intrinsic to a person’s character and reputation. You can only increase its value through practice and consistent behavior that builds trust.

Without integrity there is no respect in the true sense. This kind of standing enhances love and diminishes fear. Integrity is eternal. It will cover your nakedness when you pass from mortal to eternal life and become your crown of righteousness when you stand before Almighty God.

Turn a Crisis into an Opportunity – Adapt and Survive!

“Fish Market” acrylic on canvas

I’m working for a few weeks at my Church while our Office Manager is on vacation. It’s amazing how quickly you adapt to another environment when you must. Reminds me of the time I was in charge of a Hawaiian Luau for over 100 people at a former church.

We were planning on barbequing the meat and eating outdoors. We had butcher paper laid out on the grass for tablecloths with colorful place settings and centerpieces. Bright flowered cushions and pillows were placed on the ground for seating. The charcoal was ready, a yummy menu was planned by a Hawaiian member; her husband had prepared our musical program.

Guests in colorful shirts and muumuus were given leis as they came in and directed to their seating. A short time later, the unexpected happened; Murphy’s Law to be precise. The Kansas City wind began to whip and in the blink of an eye a severe rain storm started dousing everyone into a frenzy. We ran for cover.

“Sunset on the Nile? acrylic on canvas

Guests grabbed what they could and took them inside. We did our best to reassemble our lovely décor on the floor of the gymnasium. Hair was blown, table runners were torn and some were wet. What we all did, especially me, was adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances. My only option was to accept this freak of nature and of God as gracefully as possible.

The barbeque grills were dragged under the dripping eaves of the church where they remained until the meat was cooked. Laughter and merriment ensued as people accepted this turn of events. It was a great lesson for all of us. When things go wrong you can cuss in anger and look for someone or something else to blame or you can carry on and enjoy the moment.

We all have crises in our lives. It seems like there’s “never a dull moment.” “Why me?” we ask. Where is God in all this? (Perhaps, he’s laughing, too.) We may feel picked on. We may whine and whimper, but that seldom does any good. When the “chips are down” we need to “roll with the punches” and accept every trite phrase that will help us get through it. Courage and integrity are borne of such moments.

Through the years, I’ve seen my share of road rage. I’ve been given the finger and had a swear word or two shouted at me through someone’s opened window. I’ve had to stifle a humiliating gesture in return. I’ve pulled back my inner reins and held in my own choice words of anger. Instead, I choose to believe that the person in the other car is having a bad day. Even worse, that he may be a “loose cannon” with a gun in his car.

“Wasatch Mountains” watercolor on rice paper

I select to ignore his rant and to err on the side of safety. Soon my anger turns to pity at his outrage. I continue driving as if nothing happened. I proceed more cautiously, not wanting to offend him or other drivers in any way. I’m not only a better driver because of it, but I’m learning the secret of how to adapt. My response (or non-response) has made me stronger. Instead of reacting I have chosen to act in a way that preserves my dignity and integrity.

Every challenge or problem that comes into our lives is an opportunity to grow. We become the “captains of our own ship” as we pursue our lives, our goals and our dreams. If we allow others to upset us or to turn us into a mirror image of them, we slide backwards into the same old ruts.

There are people who simply don’t care. They would rather reduce themselves to the basest form of humanity and fight for their own selfish needs. They may feel it is their right to get what they want at all costs regardless of anyone else. Pity the world! These are the attitudes that pit neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, and nation against nation. These selfish demands that we hold onto are the seeds of war. What kinds of seeds are you sowing? Your simple words and actions are more important than you think.

Taking Multi-Tasking to ever Higher Levels

“Fish Market” mixed media on canvas

I’ve always been a multi-tasker. When bathing a toddler, I’d scour the sinks, clean the mirrors, even mop the floor while my little one splashed and played in the tub. I kept a wary eye out for safety and took time to tickle a tummy or shampoo some hair while bopping back and forth between the mindless chores that normally would have bored me silly.

When I’d feel the urge to cook or bake, I’d make extra to put in the freezer or I’d prepare mixes that could later be used in an instant for cakes or cookies.

While nursing a baby or rocking a crying child, I’d read a book. Sure there are detractors of this practice, but we had plenty of giggle time and serious eye contact during play time or tuck-me-into-bed time. After all, a frazzled out mother does little good and turns impatient when her needs are always in second or third place. By taking advantage of these dove-tail moments, I kept my sanity.

When my children were teenagers, I’d bring along books and notepaper chauffeuring them from place to place. I remember spending almost two hours going from one activity to the next with different children. Had I not had those spurts in between for entertainment or study I’d have been at my screaming wits end.

Now we have technology. Imagine how easily those transport hours would have been with an I-Pad or a Kindle? But just when you think you’re on top of the latest craze, you get swept under the rug by another. I finally mastered Facebook and Twitter, posted a blog or two, and started an online art gallery in time to find out I’m passé. Currently, if you’re not animated on Tumblr or Instagram, you’re on the way out!

My head is still spinning after reading Gary Vaynerchuk’s “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook.” Not only is it entertaining, it’s a must read for anyone interested in selling product or mastering the complicated cyber highways.

According to Gary, “It takes a ton of effort to figure out how to use any social media platform to its full potential, and today we’ve got seven major ones to contend with.”

What is the key to all of these dynamic changes? Storytelling, like when we were kids! If you can tell a story in words and pictures (better yet – in animation), you’ll be ahead of the curve; as Gary says: “find out the best way to storytell in fifteen seconds of video on a platform built for pictures.” That’s where it’s at folks.

To coin the Beetles, today is a “helter-skelter” wonder world of high-tech; where “marketing is hard, and it keeps getting harder.” We must put in our sweat equity, and give our best. When we’re done (or think we’re done), we must start all over again because there’s always something bigger and better just around the corner.