By John Warren

A very famous man once said, “Through humor you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.” The buses dropped us off at Woodland Acres Junior High about 30 minutes before class. During that time my friends and I would gather around Billy Maxwell who memorized the comedy routines one by one from the comedy album the author of that statement had recorded.   Each morning he would spout off his routines word for word and we would all laugh. Like kids today listen to one another wrap. A couple of years ago I got the chance to see the man I had admired all these years at the Lutcher Theatre. His name is Bill Cosby. I don’t think many people are laughing at his jokes any more.   I find it hard to look at him or remember the good things that he did do in his life. A tarnished life is what I see now.   As recent events unfold we are appalled at the behavior of men who think that they are above the law. Men who think because of their position, fame or profession that they have a right to take advantage of innocent girls and women.   One body is their private property. Every person body mind and soul is created in the image of God and a violation of the privacy is a violation to the God who created us. No one has the right to another’s body. The scriptures are clear on this subject. Paul writes in Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves.” And 1 Peter 2:17 makes even more explicit, “Show proper respect to everyone . . . “ That leaves no one out. My thinking is treat women the way you would want others to treat your mother, wife or daughter but it would not hurt any of us to treat everyone male or female with the love and respect that God asks of us. And in so doing would please God and give us wisdom.   Respect.