Definitions of Life

Reputation: the estimation in which a person or thing is held, especially by the community or the public generally.

Reputation is the star that streaks through the night,
brilliant, flamboyant, amazingly bright,
as it leaves a trail of stardust behind,
a flash and it’s gone, not the usual kind
of star that fills the evening sky.

Reputation is a judgement that others make,
opinions about decisions and actions I take.
They define me by what they hear and see,
they determine the essential, public me.
I am the product of community.

Character: the aggregate of features and traits that form the
individual nature of a person.

Character is that star that anchors the sky;
reliable, stable, not needing to fly
in a burst of brilliance, here and gone.
It’s the beautiful sounds of a classic song,
not a pop-star that fades over time.

Character is built one stone at a time,
deeds that are just, enduring, kind.
It’s not about who people think you are;
their opinions won’t carry you very far.
It’s what you think of yourself.

Two words describe the lives we live,
reputation is what the community gives,
character, on the other hand,
is the inner measure of a thoughtful man,
foundational stones put into place
by diligent effort and sacred grace.