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Friday, January 18, 2008
Out and About, One Book, and One Legacy….
It’s been awhile! But, as you know, I have been out and about.
As I describe a day in the life of Allan Marshall, it is one of being “out and about” - building relationship, getting out of the office and circulating among the people. It is so great to be able to discuss One Book, One Waco or tell the stories of business leaders who are telling their stories to students in our school districts.
But in a larger sense, this out and about concept is far more than just talk - it’s action, and it’s about leaving a legacy. This legacy could be about creating a giant “Oprah’s Book Club” - encouraging the entire community to unite and read a book. Although, I am not Oprah by any means.
Or this legacy could be about telling the importance in education, and why one must about obtain a higher form of education.
In addition, this legacy could be about “Same Kind of Different as Me”, telling the community of unlikely friendships or discussing with PTA members and educators the importance of a fundamental concept called reading. Maybe, this legacy could truly be about making a difference in this community or promoting a WE DO spirit to our community.
Whatever it is - this legacy must be about something more than just me. It’s about us - all of us. The common good.
As I reflect on the weeks past and the weeks ahead, I am reminded of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as we reflect on his life. What a legacy! What a spirit! What a man!
As times are changing, we could reflect on his spirit, wisdom, and his actions. So, the question is what about your legacy? What will you leave behind?
It might be a giant book club, a community book club - encouraging people to read. It might be telling your story in a school. It might be about making a difference.
Whatever it is may it be something bigger than yourself, bigger than a particular organization, and bigger than a few individuals. It must be about everyone. That’s what Dr. King wanted: everyone to work, play, and live together in a world filled with differences. It is “Same Kind of Different as Me.”
So, it is about being out and about, one book, and one great legacy. May you be inspired.
