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clouds, George Guzzardo, Leadershift, Oliver DeMille, Orrin Woodward, the-life-business, Zach Sobiech
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. ” Proverbs 27:1
Many people I come in contact with share similar experiences. We share feelings of love, kindness, empathy, sorrow, fear, hope and happiness. We share stories of dreams, struggles and victories. We also know we were created in the image of an amazing God who designed a specific plan and purpose for our life. While we are all different each in our own special way, we are also very much alike.
When I was teaching, I remember chatting with a student of mine who was graduating in just a few short months. She was so excited because she was accepted into her college of choice and was ready to grow up, get a college education, a real job and start a family. At 18 years old she had her entire life planned out. In fact, she was so focused on her future that she lost focus of the present. Her younger brother was a freshman and while I didn’t have him as a student, I knew of him because of what she shared. It was nearing the end of the school year and news became public that a freshman boy overdosed on prescription medications. It wasn’t fatal thank God but this student had left a suicide note next to the bottle of pills where his dad found him laying unconscious on his bedroom floor. This young boy happened to be the younger brother of my student. When I asked her if she had any idea that her brother was having such a hard time, her response was, “I guess I was just so focused on being done with high school I didn’t even pay attention. I had no clue he was struggling so bad.”
How many of us can share a story similar that reflects a time in our life when a situation stops us in our tracks and makes us re-evaluate our priorities? In fact, if you haven’t had something similar happen, I would venture to guess you live in a bubble. We are constantly being bombarded with obstacles that often times seem unresolvable and unexplainable. In fact, the challenges seem to be the most difficult when you are the most focused. I believe it is the enemy’s way of deterring us from God’s purpose. Unfortunately, many people break under the pressure and give up. They think that by giving in to failure, they are protecting themselves from future opposition and struggle. There are many things that are unpredictable, that I don’t understand and can’t explain but there are a few absolutes that I do know for sure; none of us are getting out of here alive and we will always be faced with obstacles no matter how significant or insignificant we choose to live our lives.
I recently heard this story about a 17-year-old boy who has changed lives (mine included) because of his story and his choice to live a life of significance in the face of impending death. This story moved me to tears and I would hope his legacy is worth 22 minutes of your time. Check it out:
When I heard that Zach passed away just two days ago on May 20th, 2013 at the age of 18 it took my breath away. We watch this video of this happy, talented, positive teenager, so full of life and love and knowing throughout the video that his condition is terminal, we want to believe that his story will be different. That it won’t end like every other story. He will be the exception and the miracle we desperately want to hear about. But he wasn’t, he was taken too soon and left this earth like all of us eventually will. As I was listening to Zach speak, I was so inspired by his strength during what most people would define as the most difficult time of one’s life.
What makes Zach so different from the rest of us is Zach made the decision to live even when he knew he was going to die. But what I found most inspiring was the fact that Zach didn’t just need a death sentence to finally start living, he never stopped living from the day he was born. So in his mind, at 17 years old he had lived a full life and had closure. He said he wanted to spend his last months making others happy and offering whatever he could to his loved ones so that they would have things to remember him by. How many of us, today, can say that if God took us tomorrow and we were shown the last few months of our life, that we would have peace and closure on how we lived it?
I will be the first to admit that I wouldn’t. It is when we hear stories such as this that we are again reminded to re-examine the way in which we are living our life. Benjamin Franklin said, “most people die at 25 and wait until 75 to be buried.” If life is so short, then why are so many people taking it for granted?
Orrin Woodward and Oliver DeMille talk about the five laws of decline in their bestseller, Leadershift. With that they explain the 90/10 concept of Sturgeon’s Law. That with anything 90% (or the majority) is crud and the remaining 10% is good. In leadership, George Guzzardo says that 90% of the people are not performing up to their true potential and 10% of the people are. And in life I believe 90% of the people are coasting through life just trying to make it to death safely, while the remaining 10% are choosing to live a life of significance and purpose. The question I have is, do you want to be part of the 90% or part of the 10%? As it has been said, none of us are getting out of here alive. But all of us have been given the gift of life. In the words of Zach Sobiech, “You don’t have to find out you are dying in order to start living.”
In remembrance of a courageous and inspiring teenager – R.I.P Zach – may we all strive to live as you lived.
“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14
God Bless,
Kristen
Awesome, Kristen. Thank you for not only thinking eternally, but leading others to think eternally. What a difference YOU make in so many lives, including my own.
God bless,
Terri
Thank you Terri, without the hope of an eternal life with Christ we have nothing.
Wow Kristen, this helped me put some things in perspective. I catch myself more times then not worrying about the future and what is to come rather then enjoying my moments in the present. Its so easy to stay stuck in our day to day rut of home to work. I cringe at the thought of where I could be without this fantastic information from you and other leaders. thank you!
You are right Sam and I’m so thankful and proud to be associated with a bunch of 10%-ers…you being one of them.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Kristen. It is so easy to get caught up in the destination that we completely enjoy the beauty of the journey. I was particularly moved by your reflection that he had lived each moment completely and “at 17 had lived a full life and had “closure. What a profound statement!
Thanks Patti, I always appreciate your comments! I can tell Zach was one special kid.
Thanks Kristen. I seem to need the constant reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, with purpose, and for Gods purpose. When you say 90% of people are coasting through life, that is so sadly true. I know I don’t want to coast. I’ve been exposed to and blessed to know people like you and an organization that encourages and helps provoke this thinking on a daily basis. You are an inspiration, thank you!
Andrea, you are doing the right things, keep leading and making a difference my friend!
Excellent story about Zach, Kristen! That is so true as was the 90-10 rule
George spoke of the other night. There is focus and then there is overkill.
Exactly Randy, focus on the important things and we will never leave this world disappointed.
Amazing article Kristen. How much our perspective on life changes when dealt with difficult situations you never saw coming. Trust and faith in God’s plan and timing can sometimes be difficult. It’s during these dark times when God really goes to work and begins to develop us into who He wants us to become. When you see someone like Zach and how brave and at peace he is – was – it’s almost embarrassing to look back and wonder how much more I could have done in many wasted moments. Today is a new day to start living and to make a difference whenever – wherever possible. That – you have done my friend. Thanks for sharing Kristen!
Wow Kristen , thank you so much for posting this video . This really puts into perspective how little , and meaningless , our everyday problems and ailments are . This young man is an example of what true grace and happiness are , and not only that , he also gives happiness too . This video has impacted me greatly , and I pray more people will take the time to watch it .
Amen Kelli, you are exactly right. The wisdom and emotional control Zach displayed is so encouraging for all of us! His legacy will continue to change a lot of lives.
Very true Tina. You and Bob have displayed that for me and many others. Your strength and courage is undeniable. Thank you for always sharing such wisdom!
What an incredible young man! We can all learn a lesson about living life to the fullest for the short time we are here. Thanks for sharing Kristen, excellent blog. You are wise beyond your years. I am thankful for your friendship and grateful for your example.
Thanks Joanne, amazing the impact one story can create. Keep writing your story and impacting lives. I’m so proud of you!
Very well put together blog. The video of this inspiring young man should be seen by more people that take life for granted, well worth the 20 minutes. Very fitting story coming from a brave young lady like yourself, that goes out of her way to inspire others through these blogs you put together and the caring heart you present. Keep inspiring and sharing to your highest potential.
Thanks Charlie, your comments mean a lot and I admire your courage to be a 10%-er in leadership and life.
Amazing story of faith, strength and courage. Zach’s determination to live each moment at is fullest was the best gift for his family and friends. The impact of his story is just starting. The impact of yours Kristen has the same effect, you may not see it but the impact of your life, your leadership goes beyond what words can describe. Thanks!
That means a lot Imelda, thank you for your continued encouragement. It’s stories like Zach’s that give us more strength than we think we have.
Amazing Grace how sweet!! Zach was able to see heaven in all his experiences.What a great example for all of us. It’s by God’s grace that you my beautiful young friend were able to bring this ray of sunshine and hope to many people. Kristen you continue to amaze me God bless you.
Thanks Bill for all of our encouragement, you are one of a kind! God’s light shines through you every day.
This was a really cool story. It seems unfair such a great person had to be taken away so soon, but it seemed that he lived a fuller life than all of the 90% ers out there! I feel bad for the family who lost their beloved family member, but in a way it was almost a blessing because they knew what was going on and they weren’t going to procrastinate spending meaningful time together! So many people, whether they die unexpectedly or not, just go through life taking everything (and more importantly everyONE) for granted.