Aretha sang it best, but I don’t think she was singing about the respect I’m gonna talk about. I will not be referencing the “when you get home” respect…..at least not this time.
Respect. I think we as a society have lost it for one another. For real. The greatest thing I learned from writing last week’s blog series was this: people need to know they matter. Whether we express it in the written word, take time out of our busy life to invest in another’s, or let the guy trying to get over in our lane get over, our society is groaning for a re-establishment of respect for humankind.
In this year alone, I have heard of numerous people who have taken their own life. I lost a classmate in February who left behind a wife and toddler son. One of my former students who excelled in everything he did just ended his life at 21. Last year, I met a beautiful girl who was in her late twenties with a successful career. I recently learned that she, too, committed suicide. I am bothered, and I can’t help it.
Call suicide selfish. Call it whatever you will. Bottom line is that we are surrounded by hurting people, lonely people, desperate people. Our lack of respect and our immersion into ourselves blind us to what God has truly called us to.
I’m not placing blame. No one can or should bear the burden of desperate people. But, we do need to take responsibility for the little things – like the simple act of respect.
I have good friends. And, I don’t need to “fit” them into my life when convenient for me. They deserve my undivided attention and moments set aside just for them. Why? Because they matter.
For the sake of humanity, let’s reclaim that 7 letter word. (And, I know most of you are counting right now.) And, for the sake of our relationships, let’s make sure they know they matter. For real.
By the way, I don’t think Jason Castro is gonna make it through after last night’s performances. Even with my sympathy text votes, I’m afraid he’ll get the boot. I just needed him to know that he matters. After all, he IS my brother. Ya’ll be prayin’ for ’em now.
DustyTakle.com 
OH can I have an AMEN… I went through that feeling last week and this week too. It does not matter how strong people think you are, you still get down and need people to care for you sometimes too. We all know that our family loves us no matter what but a friend calling to check on you or going out of there way for you once in a while is just that little thing they may need. We know to help the sick and we know to help the hurt but do we know to help the strong, healthy, independant people???? Face it, we all have kids, family, animals, jobs and God know what else and get tied down to the daily routine but take a moment and let that person in front of (my rule take and give) you and pay the toll one day for the person behind you(yes I do that) and call a friend or email them just to say you love them and have a great day……
Your rigth Dusty, a sense of value has to be placed on us all or we can take ourself out of the game! Maybe not by taking our on life, but by discounting our worth and then just give up on making our life measure up the the value God gave us by giving His own Son for our lives. I try daily to do two things , One get value out of my life, Two try to put value in someone else. If I can get those two things done in one day…..been a pretty good day. Love ya Dusty….hate for Jason last night but hey he still has value in Him.
OH Dusty, How right you are. I lost a very dear friend of many years last August. He left behind a beautiful wife, young daughter and a son who is graduating High School this month. He was an only child. I can only imagine what it must be like for those he left behind. But, more than that, I imagine what torment he must have gone through to do such a tragic thing. I think of him and pray for his family daily. We live in a world of desperation. Most people are struggling just to live day to day. There are SO many problems and difficulties facing todays society. It is more important than ever for us to draw closer to God, family and friends for support. That is the only thing that can sustain us. Thank you for reminding us all how vital it is to let those we love know that they matter. We all need to know we are valued.
Thank you for that reminder. We, who have hope because of Jesus, need to take our eyes of ourselves and our problems and look at those around us you are hurting and have no hope!
Love you!!!
Well, Dusty, you definately portray love to others, you have an energy that speaks to people, I care! Some young woman, NEVER get it, like you get it about making a difference, about showing love, by letting a person “Be themselves”, accepting them, for that person they are! Wow, that was an awesome write up! What a heart of Gold!