THE GIFT OF HONOR

Honorees in Chicago

The wisest man who ever lived once said; “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” (Proverbs 18:16). I recently had the privilege of traveling to Chicago, Illinois to be with Ambassador Clyde Rivers and several Golden Rule Peace Ambassadors, as representatives of the “iChange Nations™” family.  As we converged on the Windy City, the vision to create cultures of honor was set before us. Eight Ambassadors from across the country, from diverse backgrounds and cultures, yet we were intent on one purpose.  We came to seek out those who deserve to receive a gift of honor.

Honor is a gift because it is unsolicited. Honor is a gift because it cost us something.  We paid a price to go and recognize others who have paid a price to serve others. Honor is a gift because it encourages those weary hands who work tirelessly to encourage others. Honor is the perfect gift because it is available to every human being to give. Honoring others truly brought us before great men and women. 

Amb. Dr. Clyde Rivers and Dr. Gary Slutkin

We were thrilled to meet with Dr. Gary Slutkin and his assistant Angalia Bianca with Cure Violence at the University of Chicago. Dr. Slutkin has followed up an impressive career with the World Health Organization to help those suffering around the world from epidemic diseases to establish Cure Violence.

This organization is treating violence as a disease and helping people in several nations to break this destructive lifestyle. Some of those that are cured return to their old neighborhoods as social workers to help others overcome as well. What a moving moment it was to watch Ambassador Dr. Clyde Rivers honor over 20 of these heroes.

We also met Cobe Williams who starred in the documentary film “The Interrupters”and is Cure Violence’s International trainer.  Cobe is a perfect example of a life that has been changed and is now helping others.

We also had the pleasure of producing a TV broadcast with our new friends at Christ Family TV Network.  Ambassador Rivers honored several deserving church leaders, followed up by interviewing fellow Peace Ambassadors, Dr. Charles Kinuthia, founder of the One Stop Tax Service Franchises, and Dr. Nashon Walker, founder of Hoodrise Nation, an outreach to the inner city where he brings hope, every day, to young people through music and mentorship.

Another treat was meeting Golden Rule Ambassador Coach Tony Branch.  Tony’s accomplishments are numerous, but I was particularly impressed with the 10 years that he coached women’s basketball.  He not only taught them how to play the game, but he taught them about life.  Over 100 of these young athletes received college scholarships thanks to their hard work, but also thanks to Coach Tony opening doors and seeing them through.  Even though his job was done, he stayed connected to these young ladies to help them through their 4 years of college.

When you create a culture of honor, you can’t help but be built up just by being in presence of other people of influence. It's always great to be surrounded by great leaders;  Ambassador Dr. Clyde Rivers, Dr. Donni Pitzl, Dr. Michal Pitzl, Dr. Brian Williams, Dr. Charles Kinuthia, Dr. Nashon Walker and Johnny Vega.

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This article was written by Amb. Dr. Dan Justice

Dr. Dan Justice is a Golden Rule World Peace Ambassador and part of the iChange Nations™. He is the founder of PMI International, a Non-Profit Organization, along with his wife Sharon and their 7 children.  Together they are training and equipping people around the world in business, education, family, media, government, religion and arts & entertainment.