Loyalty is an intangible that holds great meaning and importance to every person in the world. We each have our own slightly personalized idea of what loyalty truly means and how it must be offered to another. But unlike the giving of many gifts, loyalty is a gift, a relationship, which must be maintained. Many of our daily actions and activities can have an impact on the loyalty that we have promised to others, and as such, we must be mindful in our actions forever, after making the pledge of loyalty to someone.
Loyalty, though it has no physical shape or image, is created of a very durable material. It can cause a person to go to great lengths for another. The loyalty of comrades in arms was enough to motivate a man to lay down his own life to protect his brothers. We have seen this amazing bond demonstrated throughout history and it is certain to continue long into the future.
At first glance one would assume that once given, the fabric that creates the bond of loyalty is unbreakable, invincible. But here in lies the paradox. Loyalty can fuel a protective desire so strong that one would risk his life for another and yet it is also so fragile that a single act, or deed, can shatter it beyond repair. Even the lack of a single word can destroy years or even a lifetime of loyalty.
That one time when remaining silent offers an easier path or when looking the other way is less trouble than defending another or his principles and good name; those choices can deliver a blow much stronger than any physical attack. And that single moment of abandoning one’s commitment to loyalty can, and will, destroy all past acts of loyalty.
Loyalty is a strong vine that can be cultivated to grow with abandon and produce amazing fruit. But the vine must be protected and nurtured by both parties equally. One can water and the other must trim and protect the new growth. Only together can they ensure the vines success. And only one moment of indifference could allow a predator to rip the roots of the vine from its place in the soil. Then all that the vine grew to offer immediately begins to wither and die
To many, loyalty is a word from the past. In a different time, it was loyalty that allowed for survival, as a man could not work or defend his land alone. It required a community to weather the storms and provide for all of one’s needs. Loyalty, honor and one’s word all held a sacred meaning. But in today’s world of independence and self-reliance, these words and their true meaning have slipped from our vocabulary and our lives. But to a rare few, loyalty remains a very honorable and treasured gift. Willingly offering this commitment is only the beginning of a gift that will continue to bestow great rewards to both who continue to foster and grow the relationship. But each must enter with the understanding that this paradoxical bond is both strong and fragile, durable yet delicate and must receive continuous care.