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Thursday, January 08, 2009

A Vintage Word~Integrity

Today vintage seems to be the buzz word we are all using. May I propose a new one? One that meant everything to our parents and grandparents.....Integrity.
My good friend, Diana Frey, as well as another inspiring artist, Nina Bagley, prompted this post. However, I have been dealing with this word since the end of last year. And, maybe even before then. It seems appropriate to write about it now, in the wake of all that is happening around us.
What exactly is integrity?
Wikepedia defines it as such.....Integrity comprises perceived consistency of actions, values, methods, measures and principles. A value system's abstraction depth and range of applicable interaction are also significant factors in determining integrity due to their congruence with empirical observation. A value system may evolve over time while retaining integrity if those who espouse the values account for and resolve inconsistencies.
Integrity may be seen as the quality
of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to the motivations for one's actions.
How do we test integrity?
One can test a value system's accountability
either:
1. subjectively~by a person's individual measures or
2. objectively~via the scientific method o
r via a standardized mathematical measure.
I suggest we start today, myself included.
We make art using vintage pieces. Perhaps as an artist, this is our way to reach back to where we truly felt happy, and belonged. A space in time where we valued integrity. Perhaps we can use all of our creative energy to bring integrity back into our hearts and minds; and into our world. It is time. It is right. And, most of all it is the best legacy we can leave for our children.
The picture above was taken of my daughter and I at The Cove in San Antonio. She brought us to this resturant because of what they, and she, believes. They operate as a good example of accountability and thoughfulness we all need today. They know that healthy eating results in healthy living. They feel a responsiblity to our earth and the people who are living around us.
My daughter is a constant reminder of what I know is right and beautiful about this world. She is my hope. She holds all my dreams. A load like this is heavy to carry. I pray she will know it is not her strength that will carry her through this world, but the proven integrity of the Spirit; and the One she believes in.

11 comments:

beautifullybrokenme said...

Hi Diane -

What an awesome post. The word "integrity" seems to have been re-defined as of late, and the original meaning has been left by the side of the road. I believe that, next to Love, Integrity is the most important part of Character.

Thanks for this post!

:-) Molly

Psalm 25:21

Anonymous said...

Aren't you both beautiful?! You're right. This world could use a much larger dose of integrity. If we would each begin with improving our own personal integrity...kindness and respect in what we say and do...what kind of real change would we see? The world would be a whole different place!

Chris said...

Thought provoking post my friend~~integrity is an old-fashioned trait that always belongs in our life. I love the picture of you and your daughter. You are so proud of her! How blessed!

kansasrose said...

Oh what a beautiful post Diane! You and your daughter are beautiful women, inside and outside! Integrity is a wonderful quality! Thanks for this excellent post....it will carry me.

Tammy's Treasure Chest said...

What a wonderful post! I agree 100%
Intergrity is a very important trait to have. My grandfather had intergrity, and I strive to be as good as he was.
You and your daughter are both beautiful, and it's good to see you!

Susan Tuttle said...

"My daughter is a constant reminder of what I know is right and beautiful about this world." -- this brought a little tear to my eye. i feel the same way about my daughter.

Beautiful post!

xo

A bird in the hand said...

A very very good word. In French, it's defined as "honesty, probity". That's a beautiful Mohter-Daughter photo. xxo

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

That is beautiful, thank you for reminding me of these things!

Daryl said...

Excellent post!

But I disagree, I think there is still a lot of integrity in this world ... it just often gets ignored, shuffled off to the side by things like winning at any cost...

Anonymous said...

wow ... a beautiful post with precious comments!
crazy, crazy, allen and i were just talking about what daryl added, winning at any cost, organized sports, etc.
it's A LOT about how we're raised and taught ... and how our parents and mentors lead by example. it's not the words they say but the life they lead.
we owe this lovely post to our HF and your dh! =)
(btw, did you picnik my eyes and lips?! hee hee!)

Linda said...

Hi Diane,

Thank you for this post. I believe each one has this desire. I was in DC on January 20th and if that same joy, kindness, trust, and hope felt there could last it the world would be a better place.

Hope to see you at Art and Soul.

Linda