Letter#4 to the Gkids: DEFINING INTEGRITY
Feb 24
Character, Christianity, Dads and Fathering, Integrity, leading, Legacy, Signficance character, godliness, heritage, integrity, legacy, moral value, raising children, significance 4 Comments
These letters to my two oldest grandsons, 13 and 11, are not fictional. They read them, feeling special to be “blogged” about, and we will chat about them during my visits. Dad (Matt, co writer) will engage them in the meantime. This series is also for YOU (Old Folks). It’s a reminder how essential INTEGRITY is to our lives. Thoughts I offer the boys can prod you into fresh thinking. A few moments of reading and a quick inventory just might refresh your soul, might adjust your behavior…today.
THERE IS WAY MORE TO INTEGRITY THAN MEETS THE EYE
Kids, this will a quick one, but an important one. Up way late preparing to teach a Bible study. It ocurred to me I haven’t given you my definition of INTEGRITY.
I’ve discovered that over the last week, the idea of INTEGRITY just won’t leave my head. For all these years, I’ve known and lived the principle of INTEGRITY. Now that I’ve focused on it with you, I see that personal INTEGRITY is the core of good character. Good character is what people will know you by. Wait, there is one more…it is what YOU come to know yourself by.
In a letter or two I’d like you to help me find the source of INTEGRITY.
You would think I’d pull this one from the Bible. Yes and no. No verses. This comes from personal reflection of a life-long walk with God, and it is written in the lives of biblical characters. For me, it is the sum of a lot of mistakes, bad choices, and sometiimes painful consequences (“There he goes again!”). But, also, a lot of rewarding experiences like being respected, encouraging others, being looked to as a leader. I’ve learned from all of these. I’m trying to help you with a shorter life-learning curve; more of the rewarding, less of the painful. It’s my own definition. There may be better ones, but I like mine. It’s a package wrapped in scars, embarrassment, and pain AND in contentment, joy, and satisfaction. As I said, I want you to enjoy the last set.
Guys, I’m fadding. I’ll finsih this tomorrow. BUT, first, gimmie your definition. Best you can, based on what we’ve said and what you’ve discussed, tell me (or each other or Dad) yours.
This is getting too long and too late. Think about it. Wait for it. In the mean time…ZZZzzzzzzzz.
Before I–and you boys AND dear readers–doze off, can you take a second to define INTEGRITY (not its parts but as a core principle) and share what it means to you? (click “Comments,” above)
POPI
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Feb 24, 2011 @ 21:34:40
Gary…I’m really enjoying all of your missives on “integrity”…really gets me to thinking about how important it is to our world. It touches my heart to read your words of wisdom to your grandsons….I’m looking forward to keeping up with the rest of this “thread”…..
Mar 01, 2011 @ 13:32:32
You got me to thinking…it is never too late to come to grips with life’s essentials. Integreity is one such. Seems to me, as I have discovered in my own writing on the topic, our notions need constant refining. Some of the comments touch me and add to my head and heart lockers of what it is to be a person of integrity.
Mar 01, 2011 @ 08:19:03
Integrity is wholeness, a true sense of ‘no dichotomy’ between your talk and your actions, your commitment and your walk. The projection of who you are is identical to the manner in which you live daily.
Mar 01, 2011 @ 13:26:29
Paul, I was going to wait to comment ’til I finsihed the series, but yours compels me. Ok, now watch the attempt at cultural identification: Cool, very cool. Hip. Far out. Right on. Naw, guess I’m quoting from the wrong era. Anyhow, that is a very precise and useful definition. The man in the mirror is the true man inside. I’m going to repost with several of these.