Little Big Respect

Frenelie Ann L. Ong, Social Security System Desk Officer,
Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Philippine

First and foremost, it is my privilege to contribute this article and share my ideas for the development and encouragement of human rights in our society. With this, I hope that my insight would somehow help and bring enlightenment to each and every one of us.

As we all know, Human Rights pertain to the equality, free and dignified right of every human being to live in this world. It is a norm of morality towards one another. It binds with respect, love and peace towards humanity.

Conversely, our society is in a verge of devastation regarding this issue. It is a pity to witness and I feel bad of how the humanity is now. In my perception, everything that is happening day by day is the result of how unjust people have become. The deterioration of this world is co-related with the act of mankind.

Realizing this matter seems like it takes a great leap to change this fact. But then, we should not hold on to this. Instead we must take an action to turn this upside down. Each of us has a role to fulfill this goal. We can make it happen by doing our part by being a good citizen of this world. Thus, it is not only a matter of “what”, but rather “how” in order to execute it rightfully for which would come up in a mutual levelness.

Probably when you hear or see the word “Respect” you’ll think and ask “What is respect? What is the significance of this word to my life and to the world?”

As this word defines, it pertains to courteous expression of esteem or being regarded with honor; an attitude or behavior towards deference/admiration; willingness to show consideration and appreciation; 

It is simple yet a very important word that we must inculcate in our lives.The responsibility underlying to this word is immense. It is one of the fundamental keys that we must give importance in order to make our lives meaningful.

We must not take this for granted. In a religious point of view, for Christians specifically, like some of us, we consider this as one of the important teachings of the Lord. In such case as we the children must respect and honor our parents for this is the first commandment to us with a promise of having a successful and blessed life. They are the reason why we are here in this world.  For without them we don’t exist. We should respect our mother for she is the light of the family. And give respect to our father and follow his advice. No parents would let their children be harmed.

Considering other people’s feeling is one way of showing respect. Like in an instance, telling your point of view to a certain situation in a diplomatic and polite manner allowing for mutual respect to take in.

That is why we should be careful and sensitive in our action. We should always be positive in life and open for changes. As what Mahatma Gandhi quoted “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Isn’t it true? The dream that we want to have must start within ourselves. Our life is the message to the world.

Respect is something that is given to a person who is due for and it is not in a manner of asking for it. If you want to be respected by others you must respect yourself first. For how can you respect other people if you don’t know how to value, dignify and give respect to your ownself? Respect is not asked for, it is something earned through good deeds towards others.

Like a man who knows how to say “sorry” and accept his “mistakes” earn respect for he knows how to be humble. For he has the courage to reflect and value himself. What a person sees in himself is what other people see in him.

I remember a story about a father (named Kiko) and a son (named Danny). They were in a buy and sell business. One Monday morning, a man came in their store looking for a water aluminum container that he needed. He then saw it and asked Kiko how much it was. Then Kiko said “1,000 pesos for this container.” The man really liked it and told Kiko that he would get it the day after tomorrow for he didn’t have enough money with him. Kiko agreed and they had a mutual agreement. Kiko didn’t take any deposit or anything just to be sure the man would return and really get it.

On the next day, another man came in their store looking for the same thing. He then saw in one corner the container that the 1st man requested to reserve it for him yesterday and instantly liked it too. He then asked Kiko “How much is it?” Kiko replied “1000 pesos for this container. But this had already been reserved and would be picked up tomorrow.” The second man offered him 3 times bigger than the usual price. Kiko then said to him “Sorry, I can’t accept it.” Danny, the son, asked his father why he didn’t want to accept the offer, which in fact was triply higher than the amount the first man would pay. His father answered him “Son, I already gave my word to the man who came yesterday. A word of honor is very important that a person must take care of. A person who doesn’t value it is not respecting and valuing his own self. It is your face value and saving grace.”

The second man understood the reason of Kiko and didn’t insist on buying it anymore. Danny, the son then learned that money can’t buy respect. Just to let you know, the father in the story happened to be my grandfather and the son happened to be my father.

As my final word, I would like to appeal to everyone. Let respect begin from us and allow ourselves to influence every human being to change to be a better person, and our environment, to be a better world.

To be able to carry out this mission, one must sincerely open his eyes and mind to see the goodness that he can offer to his fellow-being and society. He must also reflect in his heart the true essence of being selfless, just and righteous. A simple good deed in our daily lives can turn into an immense outcome that would make this world still a better place to live in.

May the wisdom will set in your heart.