The Power to Make an Impact in 13 Years

I recently witnessed two actors give life to an incredible story that gave imagination to the night before Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. It was the kind of material and acting that was soul stirring. I am forever changed after seeing that play, but the cherry on top was the panel after the play. The panel included distinguished panelists as well as the ability to ask the actors and playwright questions. As one of the panelists responded to a question, he provided a timeline of the 13 year impact Dr. King made before his death. The number 13 became an internal echo for me as I had the new realization that he was able to do, say, be, and experience so much within that timespan. I have been sitting with the lingering question, if all I had were 13 years left - what would I do with my time and how would I make an impact?

On a micro-level, we can make an impact daily. That is especially if we are fully operating from a clear vantage point of purpose, identity, how we show up and treat people, how we spend our time, the daily and overarching impact we would like to leave on this earth. In gratitude for the greatness (not perfection) to which Dr. King projected out into the world, we also have the same power to make an impact in 13 years. Identify what causes or fields bring out the excellence in you to which you are willing to endure the opposition that comes along with pursuing it, have the passion and joy for it to sustain you, it impacts a certain audience of people that you deeply care about, and you rejoice at having a hand in changing things for a better future beyond you. Start there and you will discover the path calling for you to tap into your power to make an impact over the span of 13 years. Document the journey, hold yourself accountable, rest and take joyful breaks along the way, and create a team of people who deeply care about you; so when the road gets tough they can uplift you and provide support in the way God designated them to. Remember, it is a 13 year journey and your daily actions compound over time. May we live to witness the lasting impact of us intentionally stepping into our power to make an impact in 13 years.

Joy Gem: "We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right." - Dr. Martin Luther King (From "Letter from a Birmingham Jail")