THESE ARE MY REASONS!

 Why strive to be a good person in today’s corrupted social climate? Why bother trying to put your best foot forward and worry about your public image and reputation? What do you have to gain by being honest and socially sound when the whole social order has fallen into disarray? Are you getting paid to perform at your very best on the job, or are you getting paid just to show up? Can you see any feasible reason to reach down and pull someone else up to your level in society, or do you prefer to push them further down to lift yourself up higher?

 

I left a great job in Hollywood, standing around on a movie set; getting paid $300.00 a day to give martial arts advice when my step son got hurt in my absence. Would I do no less or make an even bigger sacrifice for my blood-born babies? The answer is an unequivocal “yes”! What would you give up for your loved ones? What about a stranger? We can all measure our worth by demonstrating our character through our actions rather than our words and intentions.

 

For my blood-born babies, I left a souring relationship to pursue something I thought was superior. I always remained present in their lives; after all they meant the world to me. There was nothing I would not sacrifice for them, even my happiness. It occurred to me that children learn about love and marriage from their parents, and they would not see much of that if I had stayed in a less than harmonious relationship. This is not to say I was the best example of a husband, but in truth, there was no marriage, so my children joined the ranks of my siblings and me. (However, they did get Papa’s sir name!)

 

The Hollywood job offer called for the role of an old drunkard. I “flipped the script” and managed to get cast for a different part. I did not want to represent myself in such a base role. “What if my children saw Daddy drunk and slovenly?” I reasoned. I was their best example of a decent man, husband and father, so that would not do. My BFAM, Dennis, had several good roles in the film due to his renowned acumen as a dancer and fighter. (I was always more of a teacher than a fighter. I hate hurting people; even my enemies.) Keeping my image intact was far more important than the paycheck I would receive for a speaking part.

 

Who looks up to you? Who is watching your every move and speech to learn how to behave? What are you representing as an icon or example to emulate? Look around you. Whether you know it or not, you make an impression on someone in your circle daily. I have my reasons to continue being a decent human being, (two good ones). What are your reasons?