It’s a great day today. Despite the scourging heat of the sun, we do not discount the fact that every day remains a blessing for everyone to live on. Di na bale’ng tumaas ang bill sa tubig sa kapapaligo mga Kuya at Ate, at least we know that our Divine Providence (God) will not allow us to fall under the heat of the sun unless the time has come for us to park our life’s tires.
This morning, mga Kuya and Ate, I want to encourage you about the most important thing that keeps our unity in the Fraternal order. We call it “RESPECT”. This should be mutual to each one of us. If we do not have this, we spoil ourselves so as our bond of camaraderie. Respect is a word that begets action, which could be embodied by the following characters;
- Honesty: Honesty is the cornerstone of respect in any relationship. When you are honest with others, you show them that you value their right to know the truth and that you trust them enough to share it. Whether it’s being transparent about your own actions or providing feedback, honesty fosters trust and integrity. It allows for genuine connections to form and ensures that interactions are based on a foundation of truth rather than deception.
- Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By empathizing with someone, you acknowledge their emotions as valid and worthy of consideration. This acknowledgment fosters a sense of validation and understanding, showing that you respect their experiences and perspectives. Empathy allows for deeper connections to form and promotes a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and valued.
- Open-mindedness: Open-mindedness is crucial for showing respect for diversity and individual autonomy. By being open to different ideas, cultures, and beliefs, you demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow. It shows that you respect the inherent value of each person’s unique perspective and that you are not quick to judge or dismiss others based on preconceived notions. Open-mindedness fosters inclusivity and encourages constructive dialogue, leading to greater understanding and cooperation.
- Courtesy: Courtesy encompasses politeness, manners, and consideration for others’ feelings and needs. It involves simple acts of kindness and respect, such as saying “please” and “thank you,” holding the door open for someone, or refraining from interrupting others while they speak. These small gestures may seem insignificant, but they demonstrate a fundamental respect for others as fellow human beings deserving of dignity and consideration.
- Reliability: Reliability is essential for building and maintaining trust in any relationship. When you are reliable, you demonstrate respect for others’ time and trust by following through on your commitments and keeping your promises. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, showing up on time, or being there for someone when they need you, reliability shows that you respect the importance of your word and the impact of your actions on others.
- Humility: Humility involves recognizing and acknowledging your own limitations, mistakes, and shortcomings. By being humble, you demonstrate respect for others’ expertise and perspectives, as well as the willingness to learn and grow. Humility allows you to approach interactions with an open mind and a willingness to listen and learn from others, rather than assuming that you have all the answers. It fosters humility, a sense of mutual respect and collaboration, and creates a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
- Listening: Active listening is a powerful way to show respect for others’ thoughts, opinions, and experiences. When you listen attentively without interrupting or judging, you demonstrate that you value what the other person has to say. Listening allows you to truly understand where someone is coming from and helps to build trust and rapport. It shows that you respect the other person enough to give them your full attention and to genuinely consider their perspective.
Mga Kuya and Ate, I hope that each of us in the Fraternal Order will embody these 7 characters. May they bind us together in strong unity as we serve God and our Country.
Mabuhay ang Agila! Mabuhay ang CLR80!