Identify something in front of you that is heavy. Put it on your shoulders and take one small step in front of the other. Legacy. The word legacy is defined as the long lasting impact of particular events, action, etc., that took place in the past or in someone’s life. I have heard the work legacy mentioned multiple times this year. I can possibly chalk it up to my age, I have crossed the threshold of fifty-years. The first portion of the definition considers time or duration of the phenomenon under consideration. There is a “long lasting…” impact of the phenomenon. The phenomenon stretches from a point of origin. At a particular period, an action was taken with intention which proceeded further than what was originally considered. The action taken considered multiple variables and as a result, its impact has a length stretching beyond its original point because of the influence on individual and other groups of people.
A small boat on a still pond can be propelled forward with the appropriate action. When a stone is thrown into a pond the connection between water and stone is immediately observed. The small child who has picked up the stone and hurled it towards the still water will see the splash and the resulting growth of ripples. The child sees larger and larger ripples until the pond enters into a new state of stillness. This illustration aids our understanding of the word “impact.” Impact has two definitions. Impact is defined first as, “the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.” The second definition of impact which aids our understanding of legacy, “to have as strong effect on someone or something.” Individuals in the course of life come into contact with someone or something else. There are an infinite number of reasons as to why these interactions occur. We have a high degree of certainty the opportunities of contact will result in some degree of change for the individuals involved or the object acted upon by the individual. Each day individuals live as agents actively and passively creating impact. Individuals who come in contact with each other have the opportunity to effect some type of change which will create ripple effects in the life of another. Living in Conway I have determined to live in such a manner there is a significant impact and lasting legacy for individuals and families who have had no opportunities or limited opportunities. Housing is one of those opportunities, a small ship on a pond called Conway, needing a stone thrown in the waters to create opportunities of human flourishing. It is my hope, as we increase quality and affordable housing for our neighbors in Conway, the city as a whole would experience the ripple effects of compassion. CoHO Hope Village will be one of those stones. The men, women, and children who I have had the opportunity to serve related to educational and housing opportunities, gathering people to discuss hard topics, and in a larger way celebrate our beautiful humanity has been and continues to be a privilege. Here is my encouragement to you today and I hope this inspires you to look at where you live and see what legacy you can create. Identify something in front of you that is heavy. Put it on your shoulders and take one small step in front of the other. It will be difficult and you will have onlookers who are inspired to cheer and in some moments help you carry the load. Carry the heavy object in a manner that requires your focus, your drive, and if need be, your very life. Live in such way that when you pass from this mortal coil you leave both an example and substantive change that impacts those coming behind you.
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