“R. E. S. P. E. C. T. – find out what it means to me.” These lyrics of a tune made popular by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, point out a critical aspect of respect. This is, respect must be perceived and acknowledged by the person on whom it is bestowed. To show respect to someone, it is important to find out what respect means to them: “What does it look like when you’re doing it?”
In our culture today with so many of the former acts of courtesy, civility and respect being mocked in songs and videos, it’s almost impossible to glean from the noise of bombarding words and expletives deleted true and honest expressions of respect and the attendant displays of kindness.
So, as I so often do, I offer the acrostic below to remind us of the simple but explicit ways we could show respect – recognizing that as with “beauty” and the eye of the beholder, “respect” is something others need to “find out what it means to me — and you!”
R – Recognition E – Empathy S – Support P – Positive Regard E – Engagement C – Caring/ Consideration T – Truthfulness
In closing, I offer this prayer as we begin/continue our work to end gender violence.
Dear Lord, As I seek to gain respect from others, let me always show the utmost respect for all of your children. I pray that you will cause those persons who mete out acts of gender violence to be transformed into persons who show respect for all. Amen.
By Beblon Parks