Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot
to the town gossip.

- Will Rogers



Strength of character...the ability to live a principled life even
 when no one can see or hear us. This reminds me of one of the sayings I remember hearing 
as a child, from my mother's Southern family, "A lady eats her 
pie on a plate and with a fork, even when she's alone."

Well, I may not qualify as a Southern lady but I can still live my life with principles and integrity, even when I am alone.

Often when we talk about someone's character, we use the imagery of jewels.
 We say, "a real gem...a pearl...a diamond in the rough." Using that
language implies that these people, like gemstones, are rare,
 beautiful, and valuable. 

Character traits such as honesty, loyalty, courage, humor, and the
 capacity for love and compassion are valuable indeed. 

Everyone can
 have them...and imitations won't do.

Rev. Donna