ISSUE: Community of Character
OUR VIEW: Self-discipline lacking in modern times
Self-discipline.
Self-discipline.
Self-discipline.
That's the character trait for October in Orangeburg County's Community of Character program.
What a wonderful transformation it would be if we all, everyone of us, used our own brain to be sure to not fly off the handle in 2006 and live in peace, tranquility and serenity with our families, on the highway, in the school, at the workplace.
Life challenges us each minute of our existence. Life can mold our characters in a dangerous world where everyone who drives faster is an "idiot" and each slower car is driven by a "moron."
That's no way to live. We see movies and TV programs filled with crashes, blood, violence. We are attacked by music with a message of hopelessness. Let's reject these mental and symbolically monstrous sights, sound and ideas.
Martin Luther King Jr. preached non-violence and held firm in this belief. When someone wants to fight, or curse or insult at a game, in a restaurant, in a home, anywhere, let's each of us have the courage, spunk, conviction to stop it that very instant before it gets out of hand. Discretion is advised.
In the world we live in, we need resolve, backbone, guts, will-power, moral fiber, iron will, mind of one's own, courage of our convictions, plain common sense, self-possession, self-restraint, resoluteness. We need to "mean business," brace ourselves, grit our teeth, stand fast, stick to our guns, hold to our principles. Put your foot down and don't be afraid to tell people they're behaving idiotically.
We read of dead who died for what? If you're irritated, count to 10. If we're furious, count to 100.
Self-discipline means stand fast for your own safety and that of others. Think before you speak. Be thoughtful, not hurtful. Come hell or high water, remember, "God don't make no trash." Maybe our ancestors way back were animal, maybe they weren't. But we're all God's children. For God's sake, let's act like it!
And on a positive parting note, self-discipline means taking especially good care of your own mind and body.