Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout

by Rick Rigsby

character wills the heart and charges the tongue to speak truth regardless of circumstances

what else is there to be in life but a good man.

Are they good men, good husbands, and good fathers? Are they productive members of society who handle their affairs with integrity—their triumphs with humility and their defeats with dignity?

Character is transferable.

“There is an undeniable correlation between on- and off-the-field behavior. If a player takes care of his business off the field, he is more than likely going to do the right things on the field.

Mike Krzyzewski tells the story of his mother insisting that he get on the right bus. The phrase reminded him that even if his tendency was to head the wrong way, be with people going the right way!

It’s been said that, “Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity.”

“Son, there will always be people in life who rub you the wrong way. Some you will work with, others you will work for. Make every effort to respect them. Make every effort to learn something from them.

“Son, now is the time to be a man. Your wife needs a man, not a boy. And I have not raised a boy. I have raised a man. And I am proud of you. And with God’s help, you will make it through. And you begin right now by making a commitment—every day—to just stand.”

Son, just stand!

Let me make this clear. Life boils down to choices. You cannot choose what happens to you. You can choose how you will respond.