Today being #OtherEsteem Wednesday on Twitter, I wanted to take a peek at Monica’s site, The OtherEsteem Blog (named after Monica Diaz’s book, OtherEsteem).  Her delightful post, The Biggest Challenge, reminds us how our experiences may differ widely from the experiences of another with similar circumstance.  As such, we are urged to take great care so as to understand another’s point of reference if we are to encourage and edify.  Monica’s post immediately reminded me of a Sioux prayer that captures the pure essence of what it is like to value others, to hold them in high esteem:

“As quietly as little rabbit’s feet, the morning glory sun arrives to greet the Red Man as he worships in his way. For this he asks the Spirit every day: Before I judge my friend, O let me wear His moccasins for two long weeks, and share the path that he would take in wearing them. Then, I shall understand and not condemn.”

Mother Teresa, speaking of the Peace necessary for us to be One, essentially taught the same lesson: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”  Herein, for me, is the essence of OtherEsteem—we belong to one another.  We are family and we share Love just as assuredly as we share the Breath of Life.  I, for one, thank my lucky stars we belong to one another, and that we share the path set before us with others who understand—or, who want to understand.

Every Leader, especially everyServant Leader, should read Monica’s post!  Thank you for an uplifting, inspirational post dear friend.  Hugs!

Jack King

Jack King