You have one life which will soon be past. You don't have a lot of chances to get your legacy right. Think about how fast the last five years have blown by. Your ability to "do" is limited and will end with your last breath. You have no idea when that breath will happen. None.
I have loved and played Cricket all my life. I have coached for over 30 years. I have many cricket heroes both current and past. When I was growing up, one of my great heroes was C.T. Studd.
Studd was a famous England and Cambridge University cricketer, in the 1880's. He was probably the Cy Young of his era. He was even better known because he walked away from cricket at the height of his fame and became a missionary to various countries including China, India and the Belgian Congo.
Not only that, while a missionary in China he inherited and gave away his entire fortune of approximately US$4.5 million dollars. He gave it to the Salvation Army, street orphans in England, feeding the poor in London and to US non-profits. His life eventually ended in painful agony while in the Congo, in Africa.
Why would anyone walk away from fame and a life of luxury and pleasure to live in obscurity and poverty?
Studd's best known quote comes from a poem he wrote called, "Only One Life". It was not flowery words or beautiful imagery but defined the very essence of his life.
"Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last."
You may not believe in Christ, have faith in any form of religion, but what a powerful statement of purpose or insanity. If you believe what Studd believed, which is what I do, fantastic. But if not what would you substitute for "Christ"?
"Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for (____________) will last." What would you substitute? A person, cause, idea, organization, possession, position, bank balance or what?
Does what you substitute for "Christ" have a quality that you have confidence will "last"?
The Legacy Forum is where I engage with people just like you to ask questions just like this. Legacy is about what lasts and really outlasts you and your last breath. Asking questions like this is seldom easy when done alone. Having someone ask, talk, push, reflect back, guide gently or sometimes hard, is what I do. It makes a big difference. It brings clarity and direction.
If you are serious about your Legacy, so am I. I want us to connect and begin the process of asking questions, finding clarity and aligning your life with what will last.
Mark R. Demos - (425) 492-4300
The Legacy Forum is a concierge service that brings a depth of wisdom and experience to help you work through the most important issues and decisions of life. Having a team of world class professionals makes all the difference. We provide extensive in-home concierge services for families that include: crisis management, interventions, mental health issues, detox, addictions and educational consulting. We are a safe and confidential place to talk about your legacy and focus on your life, family, career, relationships, education, succession planning, philanthropy and other major issues. We help reduce the anxieties of today so you can walk confidently into your future!
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