Accountability Anthem

When my sister Vonda was about two years old I began to realize something. She watched everything I did and very often she mimicked me. I was fourteen when she was born so she seemed to think I was “something!” I remember her dressing up in my McDonald’s uniform, hoisting my purse over her shoulder and standing in the doorway, “ready to go to work.”

At first I thought this was really cool, but through the years I found myself monitoring my actions with her in mind. After all, I didn’t want anything I did to cause her to do wrong! I wanted to be an example. It was a powerful control force in my life.  As the years rolled by and my siblings started having children I realized that my nieces and nephews were doing the same thing. For instance, since I have sinus issues I had a habit of clearing my throat. When my oldest niece started clearing her throat whenever she was around me it became even more obvious that she was imitating me. As the nieces and nephews got older I started reminding them in Sunday School and Children’s Church that the littler ones were watching them. This cycle of observation goes all the way through society. 

Somewhere around this time I discovered a song in the hymn book. I call it my Accountability Anthem. I have sung it several times for church and every time I do it reminds me that there are people watching me. It’s important to be a good example. It’s critical not to be a stumbling block. So today I share my Accountability Anthem with you. 🙂

I Would Be True

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;

I would be pure, for there are those who care;

I would be strong for there is much to suffer;

I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

       I would be friend of all-the foe, the friendless;

       I would be giving, and forget the gift;

       I would be humble, for I know my weakness;

       I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.

I would be prayerful thru each busy moment;

I would be constantly in touch with God;

I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper;

I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.

Howard Arnold Walter (author of 3rd stanza unknown)