Unfortunately, a very small number of our young people seem to attract the most news. They are in the public eye because they have stolen cars, vandalized schools, created disturbances – in some way rebelled against society. It is a fact that 98.7% of our young people are law-abiding constructive citizens. There is too much focus on the negative. It is time we accent the positive – pat the good guys and gals on the back- let them know there are rewards for being responsible members of the community.
I do NOT believe we are all born equal. Physical and emotional differences, parental guidance, varying environments, being in the right place at the right time, all play a role in enhancing or limiting an individual’s development. But I DO believe every man and woman, if given the opportunity and encouragement to recognize their potential, regardless of background, has the freedom to choose in our world. Will an individual be a taker or a giver in life? Be satisfied merely to exist or seek a meaningful purpose? Will he or she dare to dream the impossible dream?
I believe every person is created as the steward of his or her own destiny with great power for a specific purpose: to share with others, through service, a reverence for life in a spirit of love.
