Definitions of sincerity:

1. Having or showing honesty, emphasis on showing
2. Being genuine
3. Really meaning the things say or do
4. Not being hypocritical or deceitful, but being open and genuine
5. Talking and acting in a way that shows you mean what you say and do
6. Having a confident humility

After writing several variations and spending hours writing and re-writing an introduction for the character trait of sincerity, I found myself overthinking every word, laboring over whether or not it makes sense.  And I realized as I was writing about the character trait of Sincerity, I was self-judging and feeling like a hypocrite, like I was unqualified to write about any character trait.

The city of Owasso participates in the Character initiative because we are all striving to do better.  None of us have arrived yet, but with a focus on Character and being mindful that our actions reflect integrity, we can get so much closer.  As a community, we support one another in this endeavor in our families, businesses, schools, our Chamber, the City, and our churches. It makes each of us better and it makes Owasso better.

So, considering the definition of sincerity and whether our actions reflect true genuineness, I believe the most literal act of sincerity comes in our own self-examination. Being truly honest with ourselves about the areas in our lives we can improve, and then taking the steps needed to change.

I am thankful for the Character initiative and the Owasso community.  I would argue that even though we haven’t arrived yet, we are a whole lot closer because we try.