No person in American history had a better reputation for honesty than Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. president who freed the nation’s slaves in 1862. Even his nickname was "Honest Abe."
That reputation first became legendary before Lincoln ran for political office, when he was keeping store in New Salem, Illinois. Once he discovered he had overcharged a customer 6 1/4 cents. After closing, he walked three miles that evening to return the money. Another time he realized he had short-changed a customer four ounces of tea, and he delivered the full amount that night.
As a lawyer, he collected debts for his business clients. It was considered normal for bill collectors to keep some of the money, but Lincoln turned over everything.
After he won election for Congress, Lincoln did a report of his campaign finances. Friends had raised $200 for expenses; Lincoln returned $199.25 to them, reporting, "My only outlay was 75 cents for a barrel of cider which some farm hands insisted I should treat to."
In 1850, Lincoln delivered a law lecture. Even then, lawyers had a reputation among some people for dishonesty. "Let no young man, choosing the law for a calling, for a moment yield to this popular belief," Lincoln said. "Resolve to be honest at all events; and if, in your own judgment, you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer. Choose some other profession."
Richard Whately, Archbishop of Dublin, is known for saying, "Honesty is the best policy; but he who is governed by that maxim is not an honest man." (Richard Whately, Archbishop of Dublin)
Everyone has heard the first part of that quote, but hardly anyone knows the rest. Why does honesty need to be more than just a policy? Why did Lincoln consider honesty so important?
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that a person who longs to be honest and true has a special reward from God: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
Today’s prayer
Dear God, we know that you love honesty and truth. Show us any dishonesty in our lives, and help us to get rid of it. Teach us to be honest in all our dealings with other people. Amen.
Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2022
What the Animals Taught Adam: from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/30/2022
Figuring Out a Child's Learning Style: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/20/2022
Like the Wind: reflections on spiritual warfare
Laura Jane Eberhardt Cerling
8/12/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/1/2022
Enlighten the Eyes of my Heart: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/23/2022
Making Bible Milk: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/17/2022
The Interrogation of Divine Promise: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
7/10/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/2/2022
When Healing Hurts: reflections on spiritual warfare in pain
Becky Cerling Powers
6/15/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/1/2022
Truce for Sibling Wars: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/19/2022
Aunt Laura's Advice: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2022
Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/26/2022
Dead Squirrel Forgiveness: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/17/2022
Forgiving Grandmother Eberhardt: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2022
Rosebud's Interrogation: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2022
New Bride Confusion: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
4/4/2022
Toddlers Helping: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2022
Lament - Complaining as Worship: reflections on spiritual warfare in grief & anger
Becky Cerling Powers
3/16/2022
A Dream That Changed Me: reflections on spiritual warfare
Becky Cerling Powers
3/9/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in March: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/1/2022
Preventing Parent Burnout: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/7/2022
Playing Games with Kids: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/6/2022
Insights and Reflections for Parents in February: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2022
Family Conflict, Family Struggles: reflections on spiritual warfare, beginning
Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2022
Insights & Reflections for Parents in January: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2022
Neighborhood Yeast: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/27/2021
Children of the Heavenly Father: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2021
Christmas Contentment: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/11/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in December: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2021
Pied Piper Dad: memorial and parenting reflections from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2021
Golden Rule Respect: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in November: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
11/4/2021
Enjoying Money Without Spending it: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/14/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in October: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2021
Yes Means Yes, No Means No: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2021
The Tire 'Em Out Principle for Long Trips and Schoolwork: insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/18/2021
Family Treasure Hunts: parenting insights from the parent powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/12/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in September: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/1/2021
The Handy Dandy Adaptable Review Game, Cooperation Concentration: Parent Powerline insights
Becky Cerling Powers
8/2/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in August: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/30/2021
Camping with Kids: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/28/2021
Hymn for a Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
7/22/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in July: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/1/2021
In Sickness or in Health: a faith based Father's Day Story from the Story Powerline
David Melin as told to Becky Cerling Powers
6/16/2021
Why Smart Kids Can't All Read by Age 6: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2021
Being with Dad: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
6/9/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in June: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/31/2021
Home Style Secrets of Kids' Learning Success: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/24/2021
The Balances of Parenting: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/18/2021
Letting Daughters Grow: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/8/2021
Insights & Reflections for Parents in May: from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/1/2021
Reading Lots of Easy Books Produces Fluent Readers: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/22/2021
Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/12/2021
Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/5/2021
Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/1/2021
Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/25/2021
Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2021
Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/21/2021
Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/15/2021
The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/12/2021
Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A Hinshaw
3/10/2021
Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Joe Herman
3/5/2021
The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Anonymous
3/3/2021
Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
Becky Cerling Powers
2/28/2021
Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
2/24/2021
Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/18/2021
Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/17/2021
No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
2/14/2021
Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/10/2021
Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Erik Powers
2/8/2021
Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
2/1/2021
Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/22/2021
God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
1/21/2021
Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/13/2021
Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/5/2021
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
Becky Cerling Powers
1/2/2021
Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/28/2020
Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/21/2020
Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2020
Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
12/4/2020
Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
12/1/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/12/2020
Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Maria Luisa Navarro
11/9/2020
Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/30/2020
Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/28/2020
Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2020
The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/13/2020
Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/10/2020
Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
10/1/2020
In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/28/2020
Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/10/2020
Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/21/2020
Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/16/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
8/4/2020
Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
7/23/2020
TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
7/21/2020
Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Randy Limbird
7/14/2020
The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
6/24/2020
Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
6/17/2020
No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/10/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/3/2020
Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
6/2/2020
Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/29/2020
Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
5/26/2020
Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
5/22/2020
Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
5/21/2020
Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
5/13/2020
Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Lee Merrill Byrd
4/28/2020
Losing Poetry: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/22/2020
Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/15/2020
Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
4/14/2020
David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
4/9/2020
The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
4/8/2020
The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
4/7/2020
Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
4/2/2020
Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/31/2020
Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/24/2020
Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
3/23/2020
Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
3/12/2020
No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
3/10/2020
DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
3/5/2020
A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
3/3/2020
My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/27/2020
My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/26/2020
My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
2/25/2020
Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
2/20/2020
Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
2/13/2020
Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen Hinshaw
2/5/2020
Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
1/22/2020
How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
Becky Cerling Powers
1/13/2020
Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
1/9/2020
All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
1/7/2020
One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
1/1/2020
Star of Wonder
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/26/2019
The Shepherds
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/24/2019
Mary and the Angel
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/18/2019
Zechariah
Paula Kortkamp Combs
12/17/2019
Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Laura Jane Cerling
12/10/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
Rami Scully
11/28/2019
First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
Rami Scully
11/27/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/22/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
11/19/2019
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
11/12/2019
Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Jennifer Cummings
11/1/2019
The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
Becky Cerling Powers
10/25/2019
Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
10/22/2019
Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Karen M. Pickett Ward
10/16/2019
The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/8/2019
Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
10/2/2019
My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Becky Cerling Powers
9/26/2019
Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Paula Kortkamp Combs
9/24/2019
How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
9/9/2019
When Life Goes Up in Smoke: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
Glen A. Hinshaw
8/20/2019
