A little over a week ago, I was asked to attend a banquet and offer a few words of encouragement to a group of young ladies to whom I had previously spoken. I was unable to attend due to my travelling, so I was asked to write my statement to be read in my absence. So, while in flight, I started to write, and I am glad I did. I believe the process was as much for me as the product was for the young ladies to whom it would be read. Here is my statement:
Good afternoon. I apologize that I am unable to be present with you; however, I send the fondest greetings from afar, and I hope many great things have happened in your lives since we last met.
A while back, I had the privilege of sharing just a little bit with you about finding and living your life’s purpose. If you recall, purpose is the intention of a person or object to do a certain thing. It is what you were created to do. It is your gift to the world. The great thing about purpose is that it is equal opportunity; each and every one of us has it. Purpose is not limited to the rich or to superstars. It is not limited to those with the highest IQ, SAT scores, or GPA. It is not based on race, gender, class, or any of those things commonly used to disqualify us. Look around the room, or better yet, look in the mirror (a shiny fork or clean glass will do); that is what a person of purpose looks like. And guess what, not only do you have a divine, unique, just-for-you purpose, you also have the power, the skills, the gifts, the talents, and the resources to perform that purpose. Now, turn to your neighbor and ask, “Well, aren’t we great?” And the answer is an astounding, YES. Yes, you are.
Let me leave you with just a few last words and an admonition. You have been entrusted with your unique purpose. GOD gave you your purpose, and He equipped you to do it. Do the work. Don’t sit around hoping and wishing. Don’t wait for someone to give you everything you need, you already have it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you to go. If they tell you to go, they can tell you to stop. Do the work. The world is waiting on you to do what you were called to do. It is not too early nor is it too late to get going. Do the work. Live your purpose.
As I wrote, I realized that sometimes, we all need a reminder (including me), to keep moving forward in our purpose. Sometimes, life and its responsibilities overwhelm us. Various circumstances cloud our vision and make it easy to lose sight of our truths. But even if that is the case, we can always get back on task. You are a vital part of this world and others are waiting for you to live your purpose so that they can live theirs. Let’s keep going!