Sticks & Stones

We all know it; Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.

What a lie!  Doctors tell us most bone breaks can heal stronger than before and within weeks, however words seem to cut deeper and have long (sometimes a lifetime) lasting effects.  Prisons and divorce courts are filled with people whom have been broken and scared by hurtful words.

When I first started teaching several years ago, one of my mentors, Rick Myers, told me that I was more likely to say something "wrong" as a teacher than a student due to the amount of talking as a teacher verses the amount of listening as a student.  Rick went on to say that when I recognized a mistake, seek forgiveness, correct what I can and move on.  Good advice.

Matthew 12:37 NKJV  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

It wasn't a year later that I said something in a training class that I really regretted.  Ironically, the students were all thinking about what I said and most expressed that I was correct in the statement I made, however I was the idiot who said it.  There was a person in this class who did not like me (sadly lots still) that ran to tell my Captain, instead of my Sergeant who was just around the corner and this person knew it!?  I didn't even get a mile down the road when my Captain paged me - it wasn't pretty.  Years later I found that even my Captain agreed with my statement but it should not have left my lips?

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

If you have ever violated the above scripture with angry, hurtful, foolish, ignorant or arrogant words - I am feeling OUR pain again...

1 Samuel 2:3 NKJV  Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.

Let us make this our prayer;

Psalms 19:14 NKJV  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

The Face of Integrity

When I think of the Principle of "Integrity", three people come to mind; my wife Carey, my long time friend Mike Ohm and Frank Baker. The clinical definition of Integrity is; the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles or moral uprightness, a condition of being unified, unimpaired, internal consistency or lack of corruption. This is the description of Frank Baker.


Now before I continue, let me say that Frank is "for-real" in all aspects of his life. He is not perfect (just ask Tina his wife) nor walks on water, but knows the one that does. Integrity is not a part of Frank, it really is Frank. From the first time I met Frank, January of 1982 in the Police Academy, Recruit Class #30, I could tell there was something different about him. He was wild back then. No, he was "rough", around all of his edges, however what was within his "edges" was rock solid. I grew to see him become a man - one Frank's father would be proud of. Frank's mother died long before we meet and Frank's dad died a few years after the academy. Of all of my friends Frank has had the greatest impact on my life, personally, spiritually and even now - professionally.

Frank Baker is a 28 year veteran of Law Enforcement, a gifted interrogator, an accomplished business investor, a very successful stock trader, but most importantly a man who loves his Lord and loves his family. If you recall from the "Star Leadership Model", Frank's "Stance" is founded on his strong moral principles and moral uprightness - his faith! Frank's integrity level is so strong that it gives him great influence towards those who know him.

Suffice it to say there is more, but that is the story this is the point; It was and continues to be Frank's Integrity that influences me and others who know him!

Now I know some of you are saying; "Ernie you really didn't tell me one thing that makes Frank's integrity level so prominent." That is the point!!! It is not ONE THING, it is not even a THING - Integrity is a choice YOU must make to follow a certain road no matter the conditions! Frank made this choice back in the early 1980's and I was fortunately there to be a part of it.

The Strength of Frank Baker's Integrity is based on his "Moral Character" and "Ethical Behavior".  I am Blessed to call him Friend...