Do you promise? Yes, I promise!

I have been thinking about promises lately.

I volunteer at Pima County Jail as an advocate for victims of crime. Within 24 hours of being arrested defendants appear before a judge who reads their case and determines if they will be released on their own recognizance, post bail, or stay incarcerated. If any victims show up to this video court, I let them know what their rights are as victims.

When I'm not talking to a victim I sit in the courtroom (if you want to call it that, it's actually a cafeteria/meeting room) and watch individuals on video camera from the jail while they talk to the judge who is sitting behind the judge's bench a few feet from the room I'm in.

The judge sometimes reminds the defendant that they didn't show up for a hearing that they had promised they would show up for, or he tells them when the next hearing is and he asks, "do you promise to show up?" At which they always reply, "yes sir, I promise I will show up." The judge makes sure they say they "promise." To me, it's almost like a joke.

Because of this exchange I assume saying you "promise" must mean something important. But I worry in today's world it doesn't mean much more than nothing. I've had discussions with those who think the "f" word is just a word, that it doesn't mean anything. Or perhaps even the word "love" doesn't mean anything.

I'm going to change that at least for myself. If I promise something--I will follow through. If I make a covenant, I will keep it.

Tell me what does a promise mean to you?