The word “respect” has really been popping up a lot lately in the media, conversation and even at church recently, which, of course, means I’ve been pondering the term some in relation to this. As it seems, the demand for respect has started becoming more prevalent, yet the actions that I would deem respectable in their own right, seem a little less so. Then I really got to thinking; maybe I’ve been looking too hard.
By definition, respect is a feeling of, or feeling deep admiration for someone or something, elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
By origin, it comes to us via late Middle English, from Latin respectus, from the verb respicere ‘look back at, regard,’ from re- ‘back’ + specere ‘look at.’
That information has led me to suggest that respect is not something that can be demanded by an individual for something they do, but most certainly can only be fostered, grown and earned by the actions they have taken. Of course, we hear about the business leaders, community advocates and intellectuals. However, there are people all around us who are habitually doing amazing acts, which often pass without our notice or awareness. Let’s not overlook the single mother, her desires to succeed and raise her children to be strong, the adult caring for their elderly parent, the wounded warriors in their plight, the reformed addict who uses his knowledge to educate another, our teachers, shelter workers and our public servants who protect us every day. There just isn’t any way to know what personal victories have been won by them, possibly even on our behalf.
We all have our challenges, some more than others, but each of us has a story. Respect is another way of giving others credit for making it, by all good graces, this far in life. So open those doors, allow that car to merge, offer a hand, be kind and think well of others. Show the love. Everyone, including you, is someone else’s hero. With that in mind, it stands to reason that if we all show a little more respect, each of us will see a little more, too.
to your business!