A life of Integrity.

Welcome good friends and family. I hope you and your family are staying safe and warm from the cold weather that we experienced on the East Coast of The United States over the previous two weeks. We had snow, ice, slippery roads. Mother Nature really at her best. I hope my family in Canada are also doing well with this cold weather. I also hope you are safe in your part of the world today.

Interestingly, when we view the structure of our society today, there are so many vital career positions and important people who serve our communities. For example, we have Teachers, Engineers, Bus Drivers, Plumbers, Mechanics, Doctors, Pharmacists, Lawyers, Pilots, Cab Drivers, Nurses, Scientists, Salespersons, Chefs, Athletes, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Actors, Musicians, Accountants, Pastors, Business Men and Women, Philosophers, Judges, Stay at home parents, and the list goes on…

Moreover, it is a fact that true talents are essential in order to fill the void for these above mentioned positions. In addition to natural talents , integrity matters. We need more men, women, children today to have more Integrity, a lesson that must begin in the homes by loving parents. The Bible states in Proverbs 22:6: ” Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

A society only stands if it has a thriving population. A population increases only if there are healthy children. A nation tremendously prospers when its people and leaders are men and women with integrity. Names such as President Abraham Lincoln, Former Basketball Player Mr. David Robinson, Dr. Charles Drew, who was the father of our modern day blood bank for Transfusion, Mother Teresa, are examples of people who lived or are living proof of the benefits of integrity to our society as a whole. Each of of these individuals transformed our world and left it a better place for future generations.

According to an article by the American Chemical Society, Dr Charles Drew was a successful American Surgeon and Researcher that broke racial barriers in America to become the most important physician Scientist of the 20th Century. His pioneering research and systematic techniques in the preservation and storage of blood plasma saved thousands of soldiers during World World II and later his storage techniques were adapted by the American Red Cross. He received his Medical Degree from McGill University College of Medicine in 1933 in Canada, and graduated second in the class of 137. His Doctoral dissertation work Bank Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation made him the first African American to earn a Doctorate from Columbia University. In October 1941, Dr. Drew returned to Howard University and served as Head of Surgery and Chief of Surgery at Freedman’s Hospital for 9 years. Dr. Charles Drew dedicated his life to teaching academic excellence to Resident Surgical Physicians. Dr. Drew was a pioneer physician scientist who lived a life of integrity, combined with a laser- focused purpose that will inspire our current and future generations for ever.

President Lincoln, also known as Honest Abe, worked tirelessly to save the Union and the country during his lifetime. Life was not always easy for Abraham Lincoln. According to author Kay D. Rizzo book Over the Top, at age 7, he had to work to support his family after they lost their house. At age 9, this shy boy lost his mother. At age 22, he lost his job as grocery store clerk. he also desired to attend Law School but could not attend because he did not have the money. At age 23, both him and his friend borrowed a large sum of money to buy a grocery store. Unfortunately his friend died three years later and he had to payback the loan all by himself, an act that took him many years to accomplish. At 28 he was in love and asked a beautiful woman to marry him but she refused. At 37, he was elected to Congress on his third try, but only to lose the seat 2 years later in re-election. He became ill and suffered a nervous breakdown or job burnout. At 41, his- 4 year old son died. A year later he applied and was rejected for the position of land officer. Later he was defeated for the nomination of Vice President of the United States. At 49, he ran for the U.S. Senate again and lost. At 51, he was elected president of the United States. Throughout his life, President Abraham Lincoln stood out among his peers because he believed in his core values and principles,and was a man of integrity.

Mr. David Robinson, a very successful basketball player, 2 time NBA Champion 1999,2003 and businessman continues to live a life of duty, integrity and grace for our current generation. Mr David Robinson grew up from humble beginnings. He attended the Naval Academy and went on to play Professional Basketball Ball for the San Antonio Spurs. His life of purpose, dedication and focus has made him unique among his peers. As a basketball player, he behaved wisely on and off the court. He also played an active part in the lives of his community. According to Wikipedia, In 2001, Mr David Robinson created the Carver Academy in San Antonio, Texas to give more opportunities to Inner City Children. He is a man of his word. In 1991, he once visited Gates elementary school and he promised the visiting 5th grader class he will pay $2000 in scholarship to each student that will attend college. In 1998, He ended up paying $8000 to each student in that class that attended college. In 2011, he earned his Masters of Art Degree in Administration. Mr Robinson also collaborated with Daniel Bassichis to form the Admiral Capital Group, a private equity Firm, with a portfolio of $100 million, that invest in various opportunities for the company. Mr David Robinson is a man of integrity and has made the necessary adjustments in responding to the different challenges and struggles in each stage of his life.

Mother Teresa lived a life of service and helped the poor and the sick. Likewise, good parents everywhere are training the next generations of leaders.

In conclusion, people with integrity matters to the advancement of our lives and our societies.

From Kofi Amo-Mensah, Medical Doctor.