Recently, I was listening to the news when it was announced that a sports team “took the knee” for a deceased, cherished fan. My first thought was how honoring.
The next morning, when I was conversing with my Earthen friends, I was told that the words used were not entirely accurate.
To “take a knee” means to bow down in defeat. My friends reminded me that while the team may have felt a sense of loss at the passing of their fan, it was not a defeat.
They suggested the correct terminology would have been to say the team “bent their knee” or “went to blended knee,” or something similar. This phrasing shows honor—the loss of this treasured fan was worthy of a gesture of respect.
Defeat is very different from respect. Respect is about honoring. Bending a knee says: “You are worth our pausing; we are not at full capacity without you.” In many ways, it carries a similar essence to flying a flag at half-mast.
The team felt a loss for a young fan they had come to respect and cherish. In honor of this loss, they bent their knee, expressing the depth of that respect.
This example reminds us that the words we use carry meaning. Choose them carefully so your message is clear, and be aware of the intent your words convey. Respecting others matters—not only in our actions but also in how we speak. Messages can be misconstrued, but clarity and respect help ensure the right message is received.
a reminder that every interaction is an opportunity to show respect. The words we choose and the actions we take leave an imprint—shaping how others feel and how we are remembered. Aim to create clarity, honor, and respect in all you do.