"My name is Dalton Russell. Pay strict attention to what I say because I choose my words carefully and I never repeat myself. I've told you my name: that's the Who. The Where could most readily be described as a prison cell. But there's a vast difference between being stuck in a tiny cell and being in prison. The What is easy: recently I planned and set in motion events to execute the perfect bank robbery. That's also the When. As for the Why: beyond the obvious financial motivation, it's exceedingly simple... because I can. Which leaves us only with the How; and therein, as the Bard would tell us, lies the rub. "

Movies are the ultimate story of our day. Movies are the background of my work time as well as a story. Above is a line from one of my favorite Sunday afternoon movies. Clive Owens plays this role brialliantly. Any villain must play a duo character (heroes get off a bit easier in this respect), they must be likeable and detestable both. I love to hate and I love to love this character, how can you not? Because you haven't seen it that's how! Near the end of the movie he makes a profound statement. The character says, "I'm no martyr. I did it for the money. But it's not worth much if you can't face yourself in the mirror. Respect is the ultimate currency. I was stealing from a man who traded his away for a few dollars. And then he tried to wash away his guilt. Drown it in a lifetime of good deeds and a sea of respectability. It almost worked, too. But inevitably, the further you run from your sins, the more exhausted you are when they catch up to you. And they do. Certain. It will not fail." There's a small phrase tucked in there that gives pause, "Respect is the ultimate currency." Sadly, it seems this remains a currency but a hidden one. Many of the students I teach have little account for this currency because it's not openly exchanged. Do you see much respecct when you watch televsion, listen to music, watch your favorite sports star drop dope? Probably not. Neither do my students. However, this lack of exchange doesn't mean it's not the ultimate currency. In fact, it is a currency, one of the most important. You either realize this now or you realize it later - either way, you'll realize it. But, in the lack of respect it's important to remember the currency of the Kingdom is grace, grace ever flowing.