Existentialism is a
philosophical movement that focuses on two major
themes, the analysis of human existence and the centrality of human choice. There
is a convergence of many beliefs and an emergence of a belief that as human
beings we are more than our brains and that we exist for more than just a
biological and scientific reason. There is a sense that we are on the planet
for something greater than ourselves and that somehow we have to make meaning
of the chaos in a complex world.
I read an article by Dr. Myles Munroe
recently where he claimed that successful living was not “dying old but dying
empty.” He questioned how many graveyards were filled with so much unrealized
potential with those who did not come to know and live to their potential and
purpose. I was struck by the strength and the truth of these words. Many of us
work so hard to survive life till old age that we stop living life. The most
impacting people on humanity are those who turned tragedy into triumph and those
who came to learn that despite their pain, loss and oppression they could make
a difference in life and make meaning out of their pain. Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Victor
Frankl, Mahatma Gandhi, Joan of Arc, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks and Amelia Earhart to name a few, are those who taught us how to use adversity as fuel
to climb higher and go farther. These people did not die old they died empty –
they did what they arrived on the planet to do and left a legacy of hope and
change that will serve humanity for generations to come. We could probably add
many inspiring human beings to this list from our own families and communities.
Growing up in an Apartheid S. Africa where
value and privilege was given to you by the transcendence of your skin tone led
me to use this oppressive and distorted experience to focus my life’s work on
giving value and dignity to every human being I encounter while supporting them
to come to know their true value and worth. I want o die empty – making sure that I expended all my energy to make my world better and improve the quality of life
for those who I am privileged to serve.
If you are confused about why you are here
and what your life is about, think about what is that “burr in your saddle”
what is that thing that irritates you and frustrates you most? Is it injustice?
Is it poverty? Is it a failing school system? Is it broken families? If it
irritates you then you likely have the formula within you to respond to some or
all of these issues. Refocus the energy of that irritation and let your
potential be released in a way that will cause you to become a part of the
solution – who knows along the way you may discover your life’s purpose and
live your life so fully that you will not die old but you will die empty as you
pour yourself out as a legacy for those who will come after you.
