The Character of an Honest Man

As President’s Day comes to an end I wanted to take a minute to pay tribute to George Washington, the man President’s Day holiday was originally setup to honor. His story is an amazing one and the things he accomplished with his life are truly incredible. He was a man of integrity who didn’t seek after power or riches, in fact he refused to be paid for all his years of military service for his country. By the time the war ended he was the most beloved person in the country which he could have used to his advantage, but he didn’t. When his people begged him to be their king he refused because he understood that wasn’t in the people’s best interest. He didn’t seek for power or position, in fact he famously stated, “I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” And he meant it. He was a man of values and integrity and he spent his life in the service of his fellow man and his country and his God. So today I want to say Happy Birthday to this great man.

Here are a few of his inspiring quotes that I love:

“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.”

“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.”

“Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do – then do it with all of your strength.”

“Although guided by our excellent constitution without the beneficent interposition of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe we could not have reached the distinguished situation which we have attained with such unprecedented rapidity. To Him, therefore, should we bow with gratitude and reverence, and endeavor to merit a continuance of his special favors.”

“…It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of the Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…”

“I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an Honest Man.”

The character of an honest man is without a doubt the title President Washington earned with the way he lived his life. And I, for one, am forever grateful for his sacrifice and his example and the incredible legacy he left behind that has blessed my life and the life of so many others. Happy President’s Day everyone!

~Amy

 

 

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