For a second grader, the word “recess” is almost synonymous with freedom.
It certainly was for me.
I remember my teacher instructing us to push in our chairs, line up, and head toward the double doors—the gateway to wonderland. I have so many fond memories of recess: the first time I skipped a bar on the monkey bars, the thrill of swinging so high it felt like I’d launch into the sky, and the simple joy of chasing and being chased. It was fun. It was freedom.
But not all my memories from recess are joyful.
One day, while climbing on a giant tractor tire, I looked across the playground and saw a group of boys messing with one of my classmates. That’s not unusual during recess, but this time was different—this classmate was blind. I squinted to get a clearer view and saw them feed him a worm. I was stunned. The bell rang, and we had to go back inside. I never found out if he was okay.
That moment has never left me.
I didn’t help my classmate that day and deeply regret it. What those boys found funny lit a fuse in the heart of an 8-year-old. I knew then that different people must be treated differently—not with mockery or malice, but with honor. I understood what it felt like to be “othered.” It hurt deeply.
At Resurgence, we strive to see others, to stop for others, and to serve others. Why?
Because we are virtuous leaders who are committed to civility—to treating others with dignity, respect, kindness, and consideration, even when we disagree.
In the Gospel of Luke 7:36-50, Jesus modeled civility powerfully at the home of Simon the Pharisee:
A woman known for her sins entered uninvited, knelt at Jesus’ feet, and lavished him with love and honor. Simon had failed to offer Jesus even the most basic gestures of hospitality—no water, no kiss, no oil. But Jesus did not flinch at her presence. Instead, he looked at her, affirmed her, honored her actions, and extended forgiveness. That’s godly civility in action.
Jesus saw her.
He didn’t shame her.
He didn’t ignore her.
He didn’t “other” her.
He welcomed her.
This is the way of virtuous leadership. This is the way of Resurgence.
A Call to Action
Friends, we live in a time of increased division, and too often, we “other” those who are different, uncomfortable, or inconvenient. But now more than ever, we must respond with civility rooted in Christ and lived out with courage.
We invite you to join us.
Together, let’s be the kind of leaders who don’t walk past hurting people. Let’s be the ones who stop, serve, and show the world what Christlike civility looks like.
