Respect

Respect is the topic of a lot of conversations. I hear it all the time: "You better respect." "Show some respect." "R-e-s-p-e-c-t, find out what it means to me." It's everywhere. It's even a new advertising slogan for a cell phone company! But what does it mean? And why does it matter?

At the Summit R.E.A.C.H. program we've been talking about respect. Our youth have been telling us that respect means treating others the way you want to be treated (you know, the Golden Rule). Our youth tell us that respect means listening to people, showing kindness, helping the guy on the basketball court get up after you've knocked him down so that he knows you didn't mean him any disrespect. It's a value we teach in playing basketball, shooting pool, learning the rules of ping-pong, and in holding conversations with one another.

But this week, we're wondering why is respect even important. And one thought on that is that respect, for yourself and for others, is important because it shows us how you value yourself and how you value others. It begs the question, "Am I good enough? Do I measure up?" And the answer to that question is, "Yes, absolutely, you are enough." You are enough, just because you are. You are enough because the God of the universe looked around and decided the universe needed you. You are enough because you exist. You were created with a plan, a purpose, a future. You were created to be amazing, not to settle for status-quo, not to quit high school or settle for less than your dreams. You were created with dreams, so that you can live them. So this respect thing...it's not just talk, it's about belief and it's about action.

Respect, not because someone used a word and now you demand it, but because you are worth it.