The Pope’s Peace Prayer asks for respect where there has been hostility. I first think of the Aretha Franklin hit “Respect” as she sings “all I’m asking for is a little respect.” So are we all. My maternal grandmother, pictured above in her mid 80’s was a model of propriety. She didn’t have to ask for respect. Somehow in her presence we understood what was required of us.
But at the moment there are torrents of hostility in the United States. We seem to have lost the ability to respect one another. Drive on the highway and someone will be sure to honk or yell or drive too close to make sure you understand that somehow you have offended the driver. People push in lines, hoping you will check out faster. It’s as if we all need to go back to kindergarten and learn basic behavior.
it is challenging to be living in a country presided over by a hostile man who lacks basic respect and feels free to call other adults names more fitting for the school yard. I find it difficult to respond with anything other than more hostility. Still, I will attempt to at least not add fuel to the fire. I will think of my grandmother and her calm, civilized demeanor and try to emulate her.
Saved By Words 
I can’t imagine how you cope with your present President. It must be difficult to explain to children that the behaviour they see is not acceptable in decent society On the other hand, over here we have the same problems in public life.
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It is very difficult to explain to my grandchildren that they cannot speak like the president. They really liked Obama, a different model in every respect.
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I have liked a lot of the positive attitudes this Pope has shown. Decency and respect for all is a great baseline.
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Sadly true Elizabeth. Let us hope for positive change. 🌼
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Good manners and right conduct has to come back and reintroduced again.
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I am not sure how it left us, but I agree with you.
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Respect begets respect.
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That’s true. And often I have to be the first to show respect to another.
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I agree with you, Elizabeth. This issue seems to be fairly world-wide at the moment.
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That’s discouraging to know. I was hopeful it was just here.
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Sadly, good manners have gone out of style in places where you expect them the most. The Pope’s prayer is packed with inspiration.
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