Proverbs 10:9 9 “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out”.
I do not know much about my father. What I am aware of; I’ve heard from my mother. One aspect of his character that my mom mentioned was that he was a man of integrity. My father was not a rich man. He was a gentle, kindhearted man according to my mother. Like so many of his generation in Haiti, he found himself in the early 1950’s making a living outside of his country. My mom and father met and were married in Curacao where I was born.
Some years ago, my wife and I traveled to Curacao in search of my roots there. It was during that trip that I began to learn more about him. We retraced the steps that my mom and dad took in a new country and visited their workplaces, convent (yes a convent; that is another story), and, their first home on this island. At the work place; we learned about his uprightness and reliability on the job from the owner who was still well and alive. He remembered some of his employees quite distinctly. At the home; the occupants, at the time of our visit; showed us an original tile floor that they believed was installed by my father.
These are not great accomplishments by the world’s standards but, at both places, after so many years, they still recalled that aspect of his character. I wondered at the time if the photograph that I carried with me to juggle the memories of those we met would stand the test of time as well as his integrity.
Let’s walk in integrity, in all we do, let’s stay loyal to God, our family, children, friends, co-workers; and we too, will please God and be remembered for many years to come. 1Chronicles 29:17 17 “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. …”