I appreciate living in a city that publicly appreciates character. In one way, it is a challenge because we can each always do better when it comes to character. In the glass-half-empty analogy, there is always some character deficiency we can complain about or focus on.  Character is a challenging topic in that way.

On the other hand, you don’t get what you don’t measure.  While we can’t measure character, we can certainly appreciate and value it. We can recognize it when we see it and spend our energy promoting it. We attract and develop character by appreciation, not criticism.

So I’m glad Owasso is such a city.

Character is simply “who we are.”  Some might consider it arrogant to suggest that some character attributes are more important than others or more valuable than others.  But in some degree, every person is a judge of character. We measure those people who lift us up and who bring us down. When we interact with others, we almost always leave some impression.  We appreciate those who leave a positive impression and we become defensive at those who create a negative impression.

Our community appreciates character enough to have created a new, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization to promote character.  Formerly the Owasso Character Council was an adjunct council sponsored by the City of Owasso.  However in 2012, we created an independent board, filed for non-profit status and were approved in 2013.

Our inaugural luncheon to celebrate character on our community is this November 8 from 11:30 to 1.  We will hear from a special guest, Oklahoma State Senator, Rick Brinkley and we will recognize an Owasso area citizen whose story is a picture of remarkable character.

Please join us for this great event. You can learn more by clicking this link and registering. I look forward to seeing you there!

http://www.owassocharacter.org/Lunch2013