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Jackie Robinson - Hero of Meekness! Jackie Robinson deeply felt the injustice of racial discrimination, but he was able to keep a firm commitment to integrity and to the bigger picture before him. The president of the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Robinson to promote in the Dodgers, knowing Robinson would over-look the abuse a black baseball player in that time would endure. Robinson focused on baseball and became the National league's Most Valuable Player in 1949, winning the respect of thousands for his self-discipline and skill. His number 42 has now been retired to honor his contribution to the integration of baseball. |
Talk about Meekness |
Parents - Click here for tips on encouraging your children to develop the character quality this month. |
Meekness |
vs. anger |
be slow to get angry. listen more than I talk. put others ahead of myself. stop arguments by yielding rights. control my reactions. |
Check out the Just for Kids pages for a nature analogy and a historical lesson. |
For more on this quaility... - visit "Just for Kids" - see the Resource list - visit www.characterfirst.com |
What is Meekness? "Meekness" comes from an old Norse word meaning "soft, pliant, and gentle." Today it is used to mean "gentle, courteous, kind, submissive." Contrary to stereotypes of our culture, meekness is not the quality of a weak push-over, stepped on by all who encounter him. It actually takes great strength of will and self-control to remain meek when one is opposed or insulted. Human emotions can run strong and out of control, but can be a powerful force for good when restrained and channeled into productive activity by meekness. Meekness begins with a decision to live peaceably with others, then grows with a willingness to listen, to understand, and to yield rights when personal preferences are an issue. However, a meek person is able to stand firm when the issue is a matter of principle--right and wrong. He faces conflict by choosing not to react, but instead to gain a bigger perspective, clarifying the facts. When criticism comes, a meek person is able to grow from it, even thanking the person who was critical. He takes responsibility for his actions and admits where he is wrong. He is able to control his responses so that better relationships and greater productivity result. |
Meekness is like tamed stallion! Full of power, but submissive and peaceful. |
· caving in where issues of right or justice are involved · being a weak, Mr. "Milk Toast." · being controlled by others · simply withdrawing from others who irritate you |
· yielding your rights · having a perspective bigger than your own interests · discerning the cause of your emotions and using that information to solve the problem · controlling your emotions instead of letting emotions control you · listening to another's viewpoint to gain understanding · facing your own faults with humility · being willing to defer to another's preferences · respectfully standing firm on principle · overlooking petty offenses · not giving in to impulsive words and actions · learning from your critics |