I once read that virtues are the essence of our character and our character determines our destiny. Of the many virtues, one stands out like a purple cow among a heard of grazing cattle; Integrity.

Integrity
noun

There are a number of definitions for integrity:

• Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
• The quality of being honest and fair.
• Doing the right thing even when nobody's looking.
  

The definition of integrity that resonates with me is from the Oxford Dictionary, which states, Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

The qualities of being honest... Simple yet difficult for many. Having strong moral principles; moral uprightness... Becoming more and more challenging each day as can be seen through increased perversities throughout our cultures and societies.

I've learned many lessons over the years: some easier than others. One of those lessons is that integrity is a defining virtue of your life. A virtue not to be taken for granted. A virtue that when nurtured and cared for will bear much fruit; fruit that will nourish your soul and the soul's of others.

The topic of integrity in sports has come up in the media on several occasions over the past week. First, with the New England Patriots and the accusations the team broke NFL rules by deflating 11 of 12 footballs used in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, and again, when once revered cyclist Lance Armstrong said in an interview that he'd again use performance-enhancing drugs if faced with the same circumstances.

You see, the thing about integrity is that you either have it or you do not. You can spend a lifetime building it only to lose it in an instant through one senseless or foolish act; one lapse in judgement, so you must protect it by reminding yourself to do the right thing even when nobody's looking. By doing so you will build a reputation of being honest and having strong moral principles.

Have you ever uncovered something that you could not wait to share with the world? To think about how amazing it would feel to introduce something that was sure to make a positive, lasting impression with those it was shared with.  To feel like maybe, just maybe, you have found something that will resonate and make an impact.  That’s how I felt when I came across Dr. Bob Moorehead’s, Paradox of Our Age while conducting research for my book.

Trust me when I tell you that the Paradox of Our Age is worth the read and the thoughts you will inevitably ponder. The piece has been widely circulated since it appeared in Words Aptly Spoken, Dr. Moorehead’s collection of prayers, homilies and monologues, in 1995. The essay even evokes memories of George Carlin, the Dalai Lama and an unnamed student who witnessed the killings at Littleton in the aftermath of the 1999 Columbine shootings – all of whom were believed to be the author of this meaningful work of art.

Here is the Paradox of Our Age in its entirety as written by Dr. Bob Moorehead: 

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgement, more experts, more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. 

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. 

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. 

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. 

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who look sup to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. 

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind."

This post is not about the Paradox of Our Age. Instead, it is about the moral dilemma I have struggled with since stumbling upon it more than a week ago.

A moral is a person’s standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and what is not acceptable while a dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made.

The Paradox of Our Age, on its own, is intriguing. It’s beautifully written and it very well could be considered a moral compass, but when considering the essay one must also consider the author, Dr. Bob Moorehead. Dr. Moorehead holds a Ph.D. from the California School of Theology, an undergraduate degree from Phillips University and a Bachelor of Divinity degree from The Graduate Seminary. Dr. Moorehead also served as the pastor of Overlake Christian Church, a mega church to more than 6,500, in Redmond, WA for 29 years.

If that is all you knew about Dr. Moorehead, you may conclude that he is a highly educated, highly esteemed man of God and of the people. And with credentials like that, how could you not? What you may not know is that Dr. Moorehead resigned from his post as the leader of Overlake Christian Church on June 15, 1998 after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced.

While no criminal charges have been filed and the statute of limitations has expired, a committee of six Eastside pastors, three Overlake elders and an Overlake associate pastor concluded in 1999 that Dr. Moorehead inappropriately touched a number of men.

Insert moral dilemma here.

How can I in good faith, exalt an essay (and a man) and publish a post under my name while knowing that the author was accused of molesting 17 men during baptisms and wedding ceremonies in the 1970’s without bringing attention to and questioning the character of the man who wrote the essay?

For more than a week I wrangled with the idea of posting the Paradox of Our Age without mentioning the author's transgressions, which would have been the easy way out, yet torn me apart and not posting it at all because of those transgressions, which certainly would have been a form of resignation on my part. On one hand there is this amazing piece of work that I want to share with the world while on the other it was written by a man who has committed something incredibly heinous.

Once again, the adage, ‘You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover’ holds true. Maybe the next time we are quick to honor or reject someone or something we will remember that it is important that we try not to form an opinion on someone or something based purely on what we see on the surface, because if we take a deeper look, the person or thing will not be what we expected it to be.

Isn’t it ironic that a man known for writing one of the most influential essays of the 20th century, known as the Paradox of Our Age, has become a paradox himself?

Who knows, maybe there's even more to this book...