The Power of Faith, Purpose, & Forgiveness
A week ago, I attended a SPUR leadership luncheon, and was completely unprepared for what was about to happen. Every once in a while, someone enters our lives and greatly impacts what happens next.
Gilbert Tuhabonye, accomplished runner, author, and founder of Gilbert’s Gazelles, was the featured speaker. Also, I should mention that Gilbert is a genocide survivor. His story moved us to tears, sparked laughter, and left us reminded of five critical truths.
- Gratitude is a powerful force. Comparatively speaking, most of us don’t have any problems worth moaning about, and we should give thanks every day for the many blessings in our lives.
- The power of forgiveness is immeasurable. Without it, we are eventually eaten alive from the inside. The deeper the cut, the harder it is to forgive, but we are prisoners until we let it go.
- To seek and spread joy every day creates a contagious winning culture. Reasons to be joyful are all around us. We must condition ourselves to seek it out, and rise above circumstantial limitations.
- Clarity of purpose is essential. We must know where and why we are running. The “Why?” is more important than the “What?” or the “How?”. The “Why?” generates the energy to carry on.
- Keep running through the pain. Only then will we appreciate the value of our journey.
Gilbert humbly lives these values relentlessly and unconditionally. Wherever he goes, positive energy flows freely. His smile comes straight from the heart and lights the way for everyone around him. He sings a song when he runs that reminds him of his grandmother. Today, he ran the Austin marathon in 2:52, singing and smiling all the way.
We cannot imagine what Gilbert has endured. Even after hearing the brutal details, we cannot fathom the depth of his suffering. The strength of his faith and the clarity of his purpose is an example for all of us. All he asks is that we pay it forward.
In the interest of time, I’ll cut to the chase and encourage you to do your own research. And if you get a chance to hear Gilbert Tuhabonye, speak, read his book, or run with him, do not hesitate. This man is someone you should know and embrace.
Today we celebrate Gilbert’s faith, courage, generosity, and most of all, his ability to forgive and seek joy.
At MCA we support the work of Mac Richard and his team at SPUR Leadership.
- See more at: https://www.mchristman.com/the-power-of-faith-purpose-and-forgiveness/#sthash.UHQovYja.dpuf