When I was a child, my parents taught me and my siblings that we must respect other human beings, especially our elders. We had to address all adults with a title, such as Mr., Mrs., Aunt, Dr., Rev., Bishop or some other title. We would never address an adult by his/her first name. Never! It was a matter of respect.

Such a demonstration of respect was not just reserved for children, but it was practiced by adults in relation to very special people, such as one’s family physician, or pastor, or teacher or the president of the United States. It was a matter of respect.

I now am wondering, whatever happened to a little respect?

What is happening in our nation when a member of Congress fails to manifest respect for the president of the United States?

What is respect? In some instances the matter of respect has to do with the high level office that a person holds. More importantly, respect has to do with the high esteem that one has for a person.

Respect is a matter of character, honor and decency. Respect should never be trivialized. Respect is due at all times. It is perhaps a matter of good manners. We practice good manners at all times and in all places.

Indeed, we must respect ourselves as well as respect others. Jesus calls us to love God, our neighbors and ourselves.

Well, I am still wondering, whatever happened to a little respect – at home, in the work place, at church, at school, in the halls of congress, and in all places where people gather?

Think about it!