A business man hurriedly plunked a dollar into the cup of a man who was selling flowers on a street corner and rushed away. Half a block down the street, he suddenly whirled about and made his way back to the beggar. "I'm sorry," he said, picking out a flower from the bunch that the beggar had in a canister beside him. "In my haste I failed to make my purchase. After all, you are a businessman just like me. Your merchandise is fairly priced and of good quality. I trust you won't be upset with my failure to take more care in my purchase. "And with that, the businessman smiled and walked away, flowers in hand.
At lunch a few weeks later, the businessman was approached by a neatly dressed, well-groomed man who introduced himself and then said, "I'm sure you don't remember me, and I don't know your name, but your face is one I will never forget. You are the man who inspired me to make something out of myself. I was a vagrant selling wilted flowers until you gave me back my self-respect. Now I believe I am a businessman.
Self respect is vital to every person. Purpose in your heart to build up the respect and self esteem of others. In so doing, you'll be building more respect for yourself!
Put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:24.
Archbishop Danette M. Scott, Ph.D. A Ray of Hope Ministries Christian Center Sr. Pastor/Founder www.AROHMCC.org
