Daily Inspirational Quote October 3 2014

“We like to think it is enough if we keep our own lives straight. Quite plainly, it is not. If we talk cynically or encourage a lowering of standards, even though we control our own actions, we become responsible for the failure of those who, weakened by our influence, fail to stand upright.” – George P.T. Sargent

When someone we love is acting badly, in ways we know are wrong, we may be tempted to keep our mouths shut or to look the other way. After all, what if they get angry? What if they reject us? What if we lose their love? I’ve watched people accept the almost-unacceptable in family members because they feared losing their love. I’ve witnessed people bite their tongues while their friends strayed far from an honest, noble life, and even seen them encourage wrong behavior in the name of sympathy. If we are made aware that someone we love is heading down the wrong path, it is for a reason. To remain silent because we fear rejection is not love; it is self-interest. The least we can do for those we care about is to hold high expectations of them and encourage them to make decisions they won’t regret.