In 1967, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, covered an Otis Redding song called "Respect." Albeit it is 57 years old, I would say that most of you have heard her version, where she added spelling out the title in the lyrics: "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" and the following line "find out what it means to me."
We all want and deserve to be respected. In my life and over my career, I have found that the receipt of respect is sometimes proportionate to the giving of respect. As Aretha implored, we must find out what it means to others, and we should do our best to show it. It is a sad commentary on our society when one must ask for respect, but many of the issues that Otis and Aretha sang about in the 1960s persist today, be it the lack of respect for gender, religion, race, ethnicity, affinity, place of birth, or any reason where someone is different.
In storms of disrespect, be the shining light that punctures through the clouds with what is morally right – a kind heart that recognizes the value of others and gives that respect.
A Scout is Courteous. A Scout is Kind. A Scout is Brave.