RUBY BRITT: No longer a Land of Greatness

Once upon a time not so long ago in the Land of Greatness, there lived Honor and Integrity, happily married in a union destined to last forever. Together, they begat Morality, Virtue, Goodness, Decency, Discretion and Prudence. They were known universally as the Family Principle. They became examples for everyone to follow, which meant they were held in high esteem and respected by all. Sometimes they were wealthy, sometimes they were poor, but at all times they remained true and genuine.

Perhaps at some point they became complacent or careless, but somehow a germ began to grow and disease spread across the land. People who were healthy and well-nourished by Honor and his family were able to fight the disease, although some did become bruised and scarred by the sickness and degradation around them. Others became infested with the germ and wasted away in worthlessness.

Then Honor and Integrity began to notice their own offspring showing signs of sickness. Change was subtle at first, but when it happened, none was left unscathed. Prudence, being the youngest and weakest, was first to change. She forgot to remain true to herself. Becoming less cautious and vigilant, she lost circumspection. Soon, Goodness and Decency became weak and gaunt while Discretion swelled to grotesque proportions.

Discretion became an opportunist. Throwing caution to the wind, he found himself completely off-course and swelled with foolishness, arrogance and scorn. This led the twins, Goodness and Decency, to lose much of their excellence, generosity, and fairness — the very essence of their being.

Virtue became contaminated by the filth surrounding her and began to mutate. Her features lost distinction. Her character took on unfamiliar qualities as she allowed herself to be manipulated by power and possessions, which devastated and weakened Morality. Morality feared his very survival as right became wrong and wrong became right.

They were a family unit – each a vital part of Family Principle. If Morality could not survive, what would happen to Honor and Integrity? Could they remain leaders worthy of the world’s respect and esteem, or would the land of Greatness just disintegrate around them?

RUBY BRITT

Baconton