Aretha Franklin made a living asking for just a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T.  My wife and I just tried to show some respect and found ourselves standing alone.

We recently had the privilege of attending the high school graduation of a family friend. It was the graduation ceremony for some home-schooled students so unfortunately, there wasn’t a presentation of faculty members to whom we could show honor.

But we rose appropriately when “Pomp and Circumstance” began to play as the graduates themselves entered the hall.

We remained standing as each graduate made their way to the stage and were amazed that we remained standing alone. That’s right, not a single other guest even took our cue to join with us.

Lev 19:32 “‘Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.

I was saddened to think that appropriate principles of honor and respect that were trained into me as a child and passed on to my children were not to be found, not even in this group of people who believe they are setting themselves apart by still teaching the principles that have made our country great and have been lost in the public school system.

Stand! Stand up in the presence of an elder or guest when they approach you. It is more than just a time honored tradition that is being obviously lost in or society. I will continue to do so, even if I have to stand alone.