By Geoffrey Michel / L’Observateur / October 28, 1998

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to hear Ken Ellis, the former all-pro defensive back for the Green Bay Packers, talk about character. As I waslistening to him I could not help but think about my own character. Webster’sDictionary defines character as “a person’s qualities or traits.” I think ourcharacter is determined by the things that we do in private, when no one is watching. Our character includes the decisions we make and our morals. It hasbeen often said that great men make great decisions.

Now, most of the time we hear about people with bad character who make bad decisions. One such example could be Cecil Collins, who, along with Kevin Faulk,was supposed to make up the premiere backfield in college football. Collins wasarrested then got a second chance with McNeese State. He made another baddecision, and was again arrested. He probably would have been a first rounddraft choice in the NFL and could have had a successful career. Yet, he showedhis character and morals by making wrong decisions.

Another thing that will both reveal and affect our character is the friends that we choose. Bad company corrupts good morals. Proverbs 13:20 states “He whowalks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” I oncehad a poster that read “Your friends are like the buttons on an elevator, they can take you up or down.” Pick your friends wisely. I have been fortunate to havevery good friends. I hope that I have been a positive influence on their livesYour character is one of the most important things in your life. Build a goodcharacter, sustain it and keep it.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at P.O. Box 1493,LaPlace, LA 70068 or at straightkids@jun.com.

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