River Gee County assigned Circuit Judge J. Kennedy Peabody, has told a cross-section of participants at the recent opening of the August term of that “no position lasts forever.” Peabody spoke during the August term of court opening in River Gee County.
He added: “titles can change, office change, administrations change, and circumstances change, meaning no position last forever.”
Judge Peabody further stated that when all of that has passed what remains is the memory of how we treated people when we possessed the power to affect their lives.
Peabody delivered his charge on the topic: “timeless, and timely: when leadership develops a thin skin: the danger of retaliation, resentment, and the refusal to change.”
He also spoke against the country being entangled by conflict, division, and strife, but called for the concept of reconciliation, and unity to hold a profound significance, and promise of healing, restoration, and renewed hope.
Judge Peabody pointed out that reconciliation is not merely a process of settling disputes, or resolving differences; it is a journey of the heart and soul, a journey that requires courage, humility, and empathy.
He also called on lawyers to transcend the boundaries of their own perspectives, and embrace the humanity of others, even those with whom they may disagreed, or have been in conflict with.
Peabody stressed the need for Liberians to peacefully co-exist, and should ask while there is still time to change.
Peabody’s message is the one of hope and an appeal to transform the country for the good of all.
He urged leaders to become thin-skinned, and develop the maturity to accept criticism, and the one to respond to every comment with wisdom and restraint.
Peabody, pointed out a leader, who uses administrative authority to settle personal disagreements should bear in mind that institutional power exists for institutional purposes, and let the leader, who demoralizes, and humiliates his subordinates as punishment learns that authority should never become vengeance wearing the clothing of administration.
He encourages his colleagues to embrace the journey with open hearts, minds, and strive to build a country that is truly worthy of our shared values.
