The Moment of Truth

In the Pittsburgh Marathon, there is a single, dramatic, and defining moment of truth. During mile #11, runners cross over the Birmingham Bridge from the South Side towards Downtown and the Hill District. As the runners crest the hill of the bridge, the course splits in two. Those running the half-marathon turn left and have a relatively flat 2 mile homestretch towards the finish line. Those running the full marathon turn right, up the steepest and toughest hill on the entire course into the Oakland neighborhood as they mentally prepare their mind and body for another 15 miles of running. Having taken both turns over the past few years in that race, I know the lonely feeling of turning right at that moment while the vast majority of runners are turning left. In this case, the moment of truth can hurt!

Truth can be an elusive entity. Maybe that's why the American criminal justice system uses three distinct phrases to help try to identify truth. People are asked to tell: (1) the truth, (2) the whole truth, and (3) nothing but the truth. These are three different parts of one truth.

Consider the following statements:

(a) I drive a 10 year old sedan with over 214,000 miles which leaks oil and has a tear in the driver's seat upholstery.

(b) I drive a sleek, black Mercedes Benz E350 with on demand All Wheel Drive and loads of other features.

Both of these statements are true. However, neither one, by themselves, is "truth". You can imagine that it would be easy to truthfully present information about my car to create whatever kind of impression I'd like to create.

So, what about "truth"?

I think the only way to really get at the heart of truth is to be more concerned with the interests of the listener than with your own. Humbly putting the needs of others ahead of your own needs should lead you towards truth. If we have genuine concern for the needs and welfare of others, we should be unafraid to present the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

As a footnote, I will be running up the Birmingham Bridge again this Sunday morning, and, to be truthful, I will be turning left! Hoping to set a personal best in the half marathon at under 2 hours. Wish me luck!