Brick by Brick

The most complex of systems are centered around the most basic units of composition.  For each structure or body of being, it is different. To the human body, its' vast complexity at the core is comprised of the simple molecule.  The only human structure detectable from outer space, the Great Wall of China, is made up of a delicate mixture of organic compounds hardened into the blocks & repeated countless times. Laws provide guidelines for humans to abide by & prosper in a society. Basic components true to their designed origination, a foundation. A foundation is fundamentally the most important figure in constructing anything built to last.

A house built upon sand will surely falter when storms arise, washing it away.  Conversely, a house built upon solid rock can withstand the toughest of circumstances & disasters. Thus, this translates to every facet of everyday life. To our own self, we must have principles that guide us in carrying out a lifestyle with meaning & fulfillment. Those who hold no principle wander aimlessly in a life that bears no direction. This remains true for businesses, families, teams, & organizations alike. Whenever problems or situations arise without precedent or procedure, a tailspin may tear down their very being, spiraling out of control leaving nothing but rabble & a notion of what once was. Southern Methodist University in the early 1980's was considered one of the premier college football teams in America.  However, the very reason they stood as a powerhouse program was based on faulty & dishonest practice. The NCAA uncovered one of the most scandalous existences to date in sports history. SMU had been illegally paying the best athletes in the country to come play for their university.  From 1980-84 SMU won 8+ games in 3 of 4 seasons, with and 11-0-1 record in 1982, but in 1986 the NCAA imposed the only "Death Penalty" on SMU's football program. The Mustangs were forced to cancel their 1986 football team, and had to rebuild their football program from scratch beginning in 1988.  They have not fully recovered to this day. Something that could have been avoided, if there foundation had been built on solid principle.

Lou Holtz stated that with a firm foundation & remaining true to principle, no matter the tribulation, you will never fall very far. There is a solid floor to which you will safely land & can begin to rebuild. I fear that in the past our football program & athletics in general, at Southeast High School, have fallen short of possible achievement because the foundation had nothing to hold firm in. Roots had been planted, but were not given the proper nutrients & attention needed to sustain long-term success. Thorns not trimmed, choking out positive growth implemented by a few. Soft soil giving a false sense security, and support. The rains came, and the house folded as the proverb suggested. If we, as a program, wish to sustain success those in position must take heed & act quickly. We must embed ourselves in rich, nourishing soil provided by our community & supporters. We must rid ourselves of those that are choking us from within, and entangle ourselves with positive & resourceful relationships.  Our foundation must be laid brick by brick with a formula unbreakable by harsh trials. This house must not be built upon quick fixes, and cheap principle that will crackle when thunders bellow. It must be solid. It must withstand anything thrown against its' walls. Each brick must hold its' own weight, and lean on others in times in which the force seems impossible to resist or turn back. We will rise, though it may be one brick at a time.  Take solace in knowing that the time you invest on doing it the right way will prove to pay immeasurable dividends. Do the right thing. Do the best you can. Alway treat others the way you wish to be treated.

It holds true to our daily lives.  No matter what life throws at us, if we have a strong foundation & remain true to our principles, we will always stand tall even in the most uncertain of times...