The Meaning of the Word 'Character'

Growing up in my hometown, I fondly remember Mr. MacNamaraâ??s corner drug store. There the kindly old pharmacist Mr. MacNamara would not only own a pharmacy, but he would have for sale all kinds of candy and nicknacks that only an old-fashioned drug store would offer. As kids, we knew that Mr. MacNamara knew us by name and who our parents were and would look after us as we patronized his store with the buying of Toppsâ?? baseball cards and other candies. Mr. MacNamara would always make sure that we did not overspend our allowance wastefully and that he gave us the right amount of change. These things were just understood and considered as standards. In short, the relationship was based on trust, confidence and character.

So many times today we are confronted with the reality that many people do not understand what the meaning of the word character is. Literally, the word means that which typifies a person in his/her own inner essence. In effect, it is the aroma of our souls that lingers with people once we have exited a room.