Living changing direction, living with purpose
On my side table is the book, A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. Ishmael Beah was born in 1980 and then made his way to New York in 1998. During the time in between he witnessed the slaughter of his family in his war torn Sierra Leone, was forced to become a child soldier, witnessed unspeakable things, did unspeakable things and was able to make his way on his own with meager funds to the United States, finish high school and graduate from Oberlin College with a B.A. in Political Science. According to the Note About the Author, "He is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children's Right Division Advisory Committee and has spoken before the United nations, the Council of Foreign Relations and the center for Emerging Threats and Opportunities (CETO) at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory." I love his book and go back to it often when I feel myself sinking into the complacency of daily life and the temptation to allow the daily grind to take precedence over my purpose (To know God and make God known).
A friend of mine recently shared with me the secrets of her childhood, things that no child should go through. She overcame these horrible things, has come to the United States and has become to me one of the strongest fiercest women I know. She inspires me.
I have recently begun to follow Meghan McCain. Privileged? I'm sure, but she ain't no prima-donna heiress. This is a woman who chooses to influence, challenge and change our generation towards making an impact and preparing to take our parents place as leaders of this country.
Our church is starting a study on Esther, a woman far away from her own country, thrust into the life of a queen of a foreign king and then faced with the responsibility of saving her people from mass genocide.
What do all of these people have in common? These are people who have stepped outside of the well worn path put out before them, they crossed the line, jumped the cliff, changed direction with amazing results. God is doing a wonderful work not just in my life but a wonderful work in giving the free gift of eternity with Him through the death of Jesus Christ. What am I doing? What is the legacy I am giving my daughter? Am I teaching her how to firmly plant her feet in the well worn paths or am I showing her the importance of purpose, of change, of living fiercely, living with intent on being the one forming the footsteps rather than repeating what is there because its easy, safe, comfortable?
Who are people in your life that have had an influence on you to change direction and live with purpose?
Comments
Who has influenced my life? My mom and dad and my grandparents (all were Christians). My wife Cheryl has been a tremendously positive influence. She is the woman behind the man. She doesn't want to appear publicly - she is even reluctant for me to put a picture of her on my blog. But, she is a tireless worker for Christ and great encouragement to me. I've also been blessed to have numerous other sources of encouragement in the churches I have served.
Good post. WB