Reputation counts!  I think everyone realizes that a good reputation is priceless, and it is greatly desired.  If reputation wasn’t so important, people wouldn’t bother to check with others before calling a repairman, or before going to a new doctor, dentist, etc.  Usually, people are more than willing to share their thoughts about these reputations, whether it is good or bad.

    Since a reputation is that important, we should take great care as to how we are building our own reputation in our community, in our family, and among our friends and co-workers.  During my fifty plus years as an educator, I put forth great effort to make sure that my schools had a reputation that “we taught well, cared for our students and their families, and that we met the desired educational outcomes for our students.”

    Each year, I try hard to help my children overcome peer pressure in areas that would call their reputation into question.  This is really a hard task because of the difference in our values based upon the difference in our generations.  Since I am not a part of the youth culture, I try to approach my students in the following way.

    We are in a real sense, “prescription babies,” in that God has a custom design for every individual, equipping each for specific achievements and purposes.  (Psalm 139:13-14) If we look for our talents and abilities, we will find our means for helping others.  It is when we are looking “outward” that we do our best deeds.  Thus, in doing these deeds, we gain a good reputation.

    I especially like to teach my students about the meek people.  The word meek used in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is like a horse being willing to be controlled by a tiny bit in his mouth.  That horse has strength and power to overcome that bridle and bit if he so desires.  Yet, he has chosen to be gentle, quiet, and tamed.  This willingness to submit to the rider is a model of strength.  Meekness is gentle power…it builds, it lifts up, it restores.  

    A meek person is no less strong but is one whose strength has been channeled and made usable.  Jesus said, “The meek shall inherit the earth.”

    Today, Dolly Parton comes to my mind as an example.  She was recently nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even though she is known as a county music singer.  She humbly turned down the invitation.  The Hall of Fame went on with the nomination.  However, Dolly is set in her stance.  Perhaps it is her genuine caring and willingness to help others that adds to her enormous fan base.  Such a nomination among music stars is a really big deal!

    In this age of social media, students are easily misled to seek fame and often are given advice which may lead to a tarnished reputation.  Because of their innocence, many of today’s youth are depressed when they find their reputation has been tarnished through the chat rooms and social interactions over the internet.  

    As I learn more and more of the changes happening in the culture of our youth, I will try harder and harder to teach them to protect that most precious possession they own: their reputation!  I know I can’t be successful with that, however, unless I also protect and care for my own reputation so that it is good…then they may trust me and what I have to say.    Kay