The Beauty of Words--Integrity

Wonderful definitions everyone. Here's what Webster's has to say about Integrity:

1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness

Incorruptibility. Now there's a word you don't hear often in today's world. And one we see lived out even less often.

Here are some synonyms for Integrity:

honor, good faith, sincerity, dependability, trustworthiness; authenticity, genuineness; credibility, goodness, probity, purity, righteousness

Wow. That one could could contain such richness of meaning, such depth of impact. Imagine it. This one word, if lived daily, could change so much of our world! No wonder the very speaking of it fills my heart with longing...

This, friends, is the power of words. Not just that they are a beautiful experience on the tongue, or, at times, a magnificent symphony to the ear. But rather that, when truly understood and embraced, they hold the power of transformation. So today, this is my prayer for all of us. That we may shine the light of Integrity in this sorrowing world.

Please, God, may we be known for Integrity. May we savor not only the word, but absorb all its multifaceted meaning. Let it seep deep into our hearts and spirits that each of us may, with God's help, act and speak and think with Integrity as a guide.

Let us treat those around us with honor. Let us show good faith in all our dealings. May our sincerity shine in a world tarnished with falsehood. May those around us know they can depend on us, that our word is, indeed, our bond. No matter what. May we seek, in all our ways, to prove ourselves trustworthy, to be authentic in our faith and genuine in our service. May we give no cause for any to doubt our credibility. May we exercise goodness in actions, big and small. May probity marry with purity in our lives, that we seek to do right not because of acclaim or gain, but simply because it is right. And may we exercise righteousness in all we do, but not a righteousness based on self. May our righteousness stem from the only One who is truly righteous, from Him who created us all, who whispered His very breath into us that we might live.

And on that day we finally depart this world for the next, may those testifying to our lives say, without hesitation, this was rare and beautiful person, a person who lived and loved well...a person of true Integrity.

Peace, friends.

Karen