Jim Downs

Justice does not stand alone. As Lady Justice demonstrates, balance is essential. We can also include fairness and patience, and even kindness and mercy. As the old clergyman said, “There, but for the grace of God, go I. Thus, adding humility and empathy to the list. JUST Divine Definitions: (1) The Divine arbiter; (2) Conforming … Read more

INNOCENT Definitions: (1) free from guilt or sin <especially through lack of knowledge of evil>; blameless; faultless; (2) without guile or cunning; lacking sophistication; ingenuous Synonyms: clean-handed, immaculate, pure, simple, spotless, undefiled, virtuous Quotes: Innocence is one of the most exciting things in the world. — Eartha Mae Kitt [born Eartha Mae Keith] (1927-2008) American … Read more

ENCOURAGING Definitions: (1) inspiring with courage, hope, and confidence; inspiriting; (2) generating positive anticipation for success; spurring on; stimulating Synonyms: animating, cheering, emboldening, heartening Quotes: A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) American author … Read more

AUTONOMOUS Definitions: (1) undertaken or carried on without outside control; self-contained; self-guided; self-taught; (2) independent; self-governing; self-ruling; (3) acting in accordance with one’s moral duty rather than one’s desires; self-starter Derivation: Greek, “having its own laws” Quotes: Listen to the desires of your children. Encourage them and then give them the autonomy to make their … Read more

CURIOUS Definition: (1) strongly desirous to learn or know; (2) possessing a need to investigate; (3) quizzical Balancing Qualities: Diplomacy, Discretion, Thoughtfulness Familial Qualities: adventuresome, explorative Consequential Quality: understanding Too Far: nosy, prying Note: A person’s privacy should always be respected. Music: “What’s Going On?” {1971}Father, fatherWe don’t need to escalateYou see, war is not … Read more

MYSTERIOUS Divine Definitions: (1) Stimulating wonder; inspiring fascination; hypnotic; (2) Exciting curiosity; intriguing; (3) Beyond our most appealing dreams; unfathomable; (4) So awesomely sacred as to cause speechlessness; ineffable Quote: Mysterium fascinans (fascinating mystery): a sense of something fascinating, desirable, good, caring, and comforting which invites us into its fullness, fulfills us, and in so … Read more

FUN Definitions: (1) lively playfulness; merriment; amusement; sport; recreation; joking frivolity; (2) a source or cause of enjoyable distraction <as a game or an amusing person or thing>; fun-loving Comment: You might tease a friend with a bit of banter, but there is no “fun” in making fun of someone. Quotes:Make space in your life … Read more

KNIGHTLYDefinition: exhibiting those characteristics associated with knights, specifically chivalry, dignity, bravery, honesty, and goodnessNote: Every quality is ultimately manifested uniquely with each individual personality–male or female. Quotes:The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. — Honore de Balzac (1799-1850) French literary artist The stories of Ulysses and … Read more

VALUEDivine Definitions: (1) The essence of worth; intrinsic virtue; THE ideal; (2) The ultimate desire; priceless; (3) Adherence to the highest principles; probity; (4) Worthy of the greatest admiration; estimable; cherishable; (5) The most precious treasure; important; useful; (6) The personification of all quality; attractive; appealing; (7) Possessing the most fascinating abilities Comment:• God is … Read more

SYSTEMATICDefinitions: (1) precisely organized; having a logical plan; methodical; (2) having the need to order things, ideas, or structures into an integrated whole; thorough Balancing Qualities: It is easy for a systematic person to get caught in the rut of efficiency by pursuing a task in a linear manner. If you add the qualities of … Read more