“The first point of courtesy must always be truth.” Ralph Waldo Emerson“How long have you been divorced?” he asked. A typical question among single-again adults when they are getting to know each other. But I knew enough not to give a straight answer, all I said was, “A long time.” I had learned it’s not uncommon for people to judge you based on your answer—too short and you might have un-resolved issues; too long and you might still have un-resolved issues. After several dates I was thinking about honesty. When do you begin being fully honest?...when you get engaged?...on your wedding night? I went to the phone and called. It was going to be a risk to be fully honest, I knew, but if he wasn’t ready for full disclosure then maybe we weren’t ready to go to the next level in our relationship. It really wasn’t so hard to say, “I’d prefer we build our relationship on an honest foundation. I’d like to answer that question…” Somewhat surprisingly, he didn’t judge me, either on the number of years since my divorce, or the fact that I had been hiding it until now. And, as it turned out, we just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. I learned that day it’s never too late to build a foundation of honesty in any friendship. It not only shows courtesy and trust, but also is an investment in a relationship’s future. Sadly, I’ve also learned that the converse is true, too: a break in honesty is the first crack that compromises the integrity of any relationship, which slowly erodes its foundation. Do you have a friendship that you would like to take to the next level? Have you invested yourself yet in full disclosure with that person? What will you do today to take a step in that direction? Lord, thank You for leading me to full disclosure, full honesty, despite the risk of rejection. Amen “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), American essayist, lecturer, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement in the mid-19th century. Most of his essays began as lectures he delivered across the US. He remains a linchpin of the American Romantic Movement and his work has influenced the thinkers, writers, and poets that came after him.
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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