Thoughts on Integrity

I often find myself seeking the best in people. Hoping to find integrity, faith, and steadfastness in the face of danger. Donald Trump said when he lost everything, it was then, it the place, where he was able to see those that were genuinely loyal and those that were just pure traitors.

As soon as I see a man tried in his own fire, he often folds - not because he is there to burn, but because he is only there for the pleasure or praise of himself. Many build houses upon sand, filling them with idols, and call them fortresses; they call you family, but when the tide returns, the walls groan, and the covenant written upon their doorposts is washed away. Their words are stone, yet hollow, breaking easily when weight is set upon them.

I do not expect that I will have many true friends, or family at my funeral when I depart. It reminds me of those Pearl Jam lyrics—

“Oh, I’m a lucky man to count on both hands the ones I love, Some folks just have one, yeah, others, they got none, uh-huh” – Pearl Jam

To be completely honest, there is no one in this Earth that is not alone. We all seek connection outside ourselves but rarely take the time to connect within ourselves. To discover what is truly valuable. Some stand before the altar speaking of faith, but their hearts bow to strange flames that remind them of youthful lusts they never extinguished. The ones who cry loyalty often prove to be sojourners of convenience, leaving behind vows and blood as easily as dust is shaken from our sandals. What is integrity if it bends at the touch of devil, or faith if it crumbles when vanity whispers, "What about you?"

I hope to see things change in our present age, but if it does not, will a Tragedy be any less beautiful? God is the author and finisher of this book. We are all characters, sometimes friends, sometimes foes, but always speeding forward to that great day of reckoning, where loyalty and integrity will be the only thing able to remain in the fire. The play is written in shadows and light, and every mask will be removed. There will be fire and water, and the deeds of men weighed like scales against eternity. Promises sworn in fair weather, but broken in pride will be revealed at dawn.

There will be fire and water, and a small space for only one man to narrowly escape. we all will be in that place alone. Those that spent their lives in selfish ambition, will likely lose themselves in the same eternal spirit that binds them to that dark void. The house built on the covenant will stand; the house built on self will fall. And when the great Reckoner speaks, He will not ask of crowds or applause, but of truth kept, of vows honored. Did you extinguish your youthful desires when they came back to reclaim you or did you throw all that you have into them for a sacrifice while you embraced them into yourself, as yourself, and burned them together with your soul?