Respect yourself

I’ve written blogs in the past about what it means to have respect for others, from those you work for to those who work for you. I think respect is one of the most important things you can have, but today we’re going to talk about self respect. Hardly a novel concept, but sometimes it can present itself as a bit of an elephant in the room. It’s important to give yourself the same respect you need to be giving others. It’s also crucial that you remember that while you’re not perfect, your value comes in the fact that you will be the only you to ever exist. That alone makes you unique, filled with unlimited potential. Respect your boundaries, respect your goals, and respect your integrity.

Man or woman, it is imperative that you have great things to offer in our time on this earth. I’m on this journey too, and it’s my goal to leave behind a legacy I can be proud of. For those of us who are men and women of faith, respect plays a tremendous role in how we act towards each other. That respect carries us far in our walk, as we have respect for something so much bigger than ourselves. The Bible tells us that all it takes to move a mountain is faith equivalent to that of a mustard seed. That mountain may not mean a literal one, but the effort of building faith is such that we realize we can never be perfect, but we seek to be perfect through refining ourselves through challenges given by life and by ourselves.

The greatest figures in the Bible were men and women who did not shy from challenge, but rose up to face their struggles with integrity and respect. They were difficult people to explain, given their complexities, but the common denominator among them was this: they were people of unwavering respect and humility. No challenge was too great, though many stumbled and lost their way for a time, they never stopped seeking the highest authority and support.