“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Albert Einstein
This month’s blog was inspired by the recent passing of yet another friend, James Hickson Lee, whose life ended way to soon for the comprehension and understanding of those of us he left behind.
James touched and transformed many lives through his faith in action, his love, his prayers, his words, his wisdom, and quite simply…his way. The fruit of his life truly revealed his love of Jesus and his love for us – people. And it was the use of his gifts and the fruits of his labor that spurred an outpouring of love and memorable moments upon his passing by the many, many lives he touched at home and abroad. This unending outpouring of love jolted me like a bolt of lighting.
It made me stop and think about my own life. Despite the sad occasion, I rejoiced at the life of my friend and the outpouring of love, because his life served as a reminder to me of the kind of life that I not only want to live, but be remembered for. I want to live a memorable life.
I believe that I have been put on this earth and equipped with special gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. And I pray for guidance and direction everyday to live my life with purpose, authenticity, and the ability to shine light into the lives of others.
I want to live a memorable life and make a memorable difference!
How do you do that you ask?
“If you want to live a memorable life, you have to be the kind of person who remembers to remember.” Joshua Foer
For me, it means being the kind of person who remembers and loves others. The kind of person who lives to touch and better the lives of others, not just self. Understand that while this seems easy to say and do, it is not an easy road to travel. To live a memorable life often requires a person to:
Be Selfless – which requires you to show concern for others. It requires compassion. It requires you to be like Jesus. Jesus lived his life, performed miracles, and died for us out of love and compassion for us. These attributes were the essence of whom he was and should exist at the core of you and me. God calls us to love him and to love others unselfishly.
Be Giving – means being generous to those around us. It means being giving of yourself, all that you are, all that you have and all that you will have, even when you don’t feel like it or feel like you have nothing left to give. It requires you to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31, NLT
Be Light – allow people to know you, the real you, by your light. We were created to be light and to share that light with others. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16, NLT
The type of light you shine and the number of people you touch depends on you and the life you live. You can be a candle that flickers in a dark room casting a few feet of light or you can be a spotlight that can be seen for miles on end for all who need it. Personally, I believe that I can be the sun. I believe my life, who I am, and my faith in action, can shine God’s light and love all over the world to those who need it. I just have to be intentional and choose to live my life this way every day.
Understanding that each one of us matters and that we each have the potential to transform our neighbors – one person, one moment at a time – will change your life. I know it has mine. This aha moment didn’t just dawn on me this past week, it is something that I have grown to accept as a part of my purpose, my responsibility, here on earth.
What my friend’s death did do was serve as a reminder in the form of a life-interrupted moment. A reminder that loving, serving and helping people is why I am here and the kind of life that I was meant to live.
Are you living a memorable life? I dare you to ask yourself this question and begin living a brighter, richer life for yourself and others.
Sunshine and love,
Andrea
lisa knaggs says
Thank you so much for this moving blog post. James Hickson Lee inspired us all and called us to be more. I share in your grieving, celebration, and inspiration! Thanks be to God for the gift of James Lee! Our hearts are aching, but oh, we are so rich in blessing and inspiration!
Andrea Anderson says
Lisa thank you for reading and for spreading your own light and inspiration by commenting. James definitely inspired us all to be more!
Melanie says
I had no idea you knew James! You eloquently verbalized what his death did for me as well. He truly fulfilled his purpose of loving God and leading others to Christ. I too wondered what others would say of me and if am I truly fulfilling God’s plan for MY life.
Thank you for opening your heart up for the world to see, Andrea. In doing so, you released two of the many powers words possess…to be a reflection and a salve.
Andrea Anderson says
Melanie, yes, James and I met at UT and we sung in Innervisions Gospel Choir together, but it was really within the past five years that I got to know him as a true servant of God.
Thank you for your uplifting words to me. They mean more than you know. For me, writing has always had a way of making me uncomfortable even though I love to write. Even after all this time. When I write, I strive to leave a piece of my heart on the page and that is always scary. Thank you for reaffirming my choice to write once again.
Be blessed,
Andrea