Integrity is still valued today [Edition 2]
Integrity is still valued today [Edition 2]
0 Comments | West Briton, The; Truro (UK), May 6, 2010
MY third child is coming to the end of her degree course, writes Charles Blizzard of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
She has been given a date in July for her graduation and my wife and I will attend this event as proud parents.
This invite brought back memories of attending the graduation ceremony of my eldest son.
As is the custom at such events, honorary doctorates were awarded to people who had distinguished themselves in some way.
Honorary doctorates at this ceremony were awarded to three people, one of whom was the journalist Alan Johnston.
Alan Johnston, you will remember, was the BBC Gaza correspondent who was kidnapped and then held hostage for four months before being released.
Having received his honorary doctorate, Alan Johnston made a short speech.
The audience were hushed, listening intently, making sure they heard every word.
Why was this? What was his secret? I guess many, if not all there, knew of his experience.
They knew of his reputation for fair and honest reporting; they had seen the way that he had conducted himself after his release without sensation or drama.
I think that audience recognised something in Alan Johnston that is rare – integrity.
It warmed my heart that in our cynical world, people still admire such a virtue.