Honor

It is better to die with honor than to live with shame

It has been said, "I would rather die standing than live on my knees!" (Emiliano Zapata). All things are possible to a person who stands on the foundation of honor. The definition of honor is a high regard or respect; personal integrity; reputation; privilege (Webster's Dictionary). The word honor comes from Latin Honos. Honor shapes lives everyday, and provides the glue that holds a family, community and country together.

To have a fantastic family is the best honor a person can have. Parents always teach their children to be good to other and make a well name for themselves but it is in them whether or not they will truly do it. Being proud of where you came from and then creating a great reputation for yourself emphasizes how much you honor your family. The bible says to honor thy family. An example of this would be the Bush family. If they did not have family to lean back on during troublesome times they would not be the family they are now; strong and reputable. Honor is what keeps our families striving to do better.

The price of honor can be great, and can even cost a person his or her life. A brilliant orator by the name of Malcolm X helped to break the prejudiced way of life. He came to America with a new message to all the people. Even in his death he is still a much honored man not only by the African Americans but also by anyone who has been affected by any type of prejudice. How honor shaped this Islamic leader's life is clear; he lived what he preached, and fought for his community.

September 11, 2001 was a very tragic day but at the same time a very heart shaping experience. The men and women who ran into burning building trying to help the helpless had great courage and personal honor. Every person that had been hurt or killed during this horrific ordeal were rescued and treated as needed. The fallen rescuers