Life of Significance Part 2
When I think of people whose integrity and character I admire, the first person who comes to my mind is my husband. I am constantly amazed at his humility and how he will tell the truth even if it will hurt him. He is quick to apologize and, when faced with criticism or complaints from others, he will always look at himself to see what he can take away for personal growth and change. To me, those qualities are amazing and rare.
Observing his life over these past thirty years has inspired me to ask myself how I can increase the level of integrity and character in which I walk. Interestingly enough, the answer always seems to come through a challenging situation – those times when I am tempted to be heard more than to hear, to speak more than to listen, or to be offended more than to forgive. I marvel at how it seems that the better of us is sometimes forged in the worst of situations.
So tell me. Who are some of the people whose integrity and character you admire? What is it that makes you esteem them in the way you do? How have they influenced you to live out a greater measure of integrity and character in your own life?
Let’s talk about it!
Dr. D’
Who are some of the people whose integrity and character you admire?
~I admire one of my older sisters, Amanda! She has always been sold out for God, Unapologetic about her life for Christ and boldly courageous to her integrity to do God’s will and obey his commandments.
What is it that makes you esteem them in the way you do?
~ I esteem her in the manner in which I do because even though she makes it look effortless; she is honest about the emotions and the thoughts that goes into the “yes lord” decisions that she makes. She is always a good listener, god-fearing confronter, compassionate, passionate, supportive, wise and most importantly my sister. She always has my back in every area of my life.
How have they influenced you to live out a greater measure of integrity and character in your own life?
~She has never been afraid to confront me on any behavior or situation that is not going to keep me on the straight and narrow. I have selected her to be my accountability partner because she knows me well enough to know when she needs to be hands on spiritually, physically or just let me face things on my own. She has encouraged me to be more bold about my faith, live a genuine and courageous life for Christ and most importantly to never be ashamed of who I used to be but be proud of myself for overcoming my struggles and be faithful, prayful and joyful for who I am and are going to be in the kingdom of God.
When I think of integrity and character, I think of Gussie Jones, Jr., my Dad. He continues to instill in me a mentality that to many is considered ol’ skool. His sayings of “say what you mean and mean what you say”; “everyone doesn’t think like and you can’t be mad at them because they don’t”; and “don’t loan money you can’t afford to lose.” Those are not just sayings to him, they are a way of life. My Daddy believes in having a good name, not just financially but morally. He stands for the truth and righteousness but will admit when he gets things wrong. “Buddy” Jones encourages me to “be strong in Lord and the power of His might” because integreous is not easy. Many times when I’m faced with a dilemna of follow through, I hear my Daddy’s words echo in my heart. Then I know what must be done. Thank you, Buddy Jones.
When I think of character and integrity, I think of my pastor LaFayette Scales. He is the epitome of one who walks in integrity. He is the same no matter the circumstance. I have observed him under pressure and he is always calm and steady. His presence instills confidence in those who know and work with him. He is a loving father, devoted husband and faithful leader. I love him most because he has remained my husband Johnathan Alvarado’s mentor from his youth. He stood with us in our wedding and has walked with our church since its inception. We are the fruit of his teaching and spiritual leadership.
For me to say how god has inspire these ladies to tell there story and to know it has effected their life in a good way. Lifetime experience through the the person or persons we love is greatly remembered.
I had to think about this one a little bit before I made a reply, because there are a few people who I can think of that has dropped little nuggets of wisdom and knowledge into my life. But, after considering this, I have concluded that non other than my Daddy, Booker Porter has been most influential in my life in the way of integrity and character. He used to tell his children to not go out and do anything that would tarnish the “Porter” name! ???? He truly believed that a good name is the greatest treasure that a person can possess.
My father did masonry work as a trade, I remember him always telling one of my brothers, who would sometimes work along beside him, to always leave a person’s home in better shape than you find it. This same brother of mine told me recently that he recalled our daddy going grocery shopping on numerous occasions, and he thought that he was buying them to take home, but he would go and drop the groceries off at the homes of some of the men who worked for him because they would have squandered their money, and as a result their families did not have food. To me, that speaks of the volume of integrity and character that my Daddy possessed.
To be honest, Apostle Bill and Dr. D are the two people that I admire when speaking in regards to integrity and character. When people ask what church do I attend, those are the words that I most often use when giving a description of my church leaders. They are people of integrity, honesty, and upstanding character. I have never heard of foolishness or dishonesty in my eighteen years with the church, which adds to my admiration because leaders and their followers are also a reflection of one another. I have been influenced to live out a greater measure of integrity and character in my own life by practicing what is being taught and shown in front of my eyes. I, too, desire continue to live a life of integrity and for others to see me this way. It is important that my character speak volumes for me because there are times when I never have to utter a word. Knowing the Word of God along with listening and watching both leaders walk in integrity has helped me because I know it is a direct reflection of Christ. Anything that reflects Christ is what I need to do because just like my leaders, others are also watching my walk with Jesus.