Everyone Deserves Respect by Lane Jordan Burday

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Mathews 7:12).

Yes, the verse above is “The Golden Rule”—Do to others what you would want done to you. Or in other words, don’t be hateful, cruel, and mean to others if you don’t want that to happen to you.

Such a simple statement and simple idea. Yet, it is extremely important, and if only the world would act upon it, there would be no more racial injustice, war, divorce, and no more evil toward others.

I read about Clara Belle Drisdale Williams and my heart cried for what she had to go through, but then I rejoiced after learning how she overcame obstacles.

Clara Belle Drisdale Williams, [1885-1993], was the first African American graduate of New Mexico State University. Yes, she graduated—but it wasn’t easy.

Many of her professors would not allow her inside the classroom. She had to take notes from the hallway; she was also not allowed to walk with her class to receive her diploma.

She married Jasper Williams in 1917 and their three sons became physicians. She became a great teacher of black students by day, and by night, she taught their parents, and former slaves. She also taught home economics.

In 1961, New Mexico State University (NMSU) named a street on its campus after Williams. In 2005 the building of the English department was renamed Clara Belle Williams Hall. In 1980, Williams was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree by NMSU. NMSU also apologized for the treatment she was subjected to as a student. She died at 108 years old.

Wow! Clara Belle Williams rose above her haters and continued doing for others.

“In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” ( Titus 2:7-8).

I hope Clara Belle’s life story encouraged you. It’s a reminder for us all to push forward in our calling and show respect to everyone we encounter.

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Lane Jordan-Burday is the Pearls of Promise Ministries Prayer Co-Coordinator; POP Talk TV and Radio Co-Host and Writer. She is also is an award-winning and best-selling author of over ten adult and children’s books. She is a speaker with Stonecroft Ministries, seminar leader, professional life coach, Bible teacher, and artist. She served as the Associate Producer for the program In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley. She prays for women to come to know the Lord is God!

Lane’s latest book, Evangeline, is a historical fiction based on the book of Esther. You can reach Lane at: lane@lanejordanministries.com. Her website: www.LaneJordanMinistries.com.