Lots of helpful hints on building our platforms, eh? It’s all good.
I know from a business point of view we need a platform from which to influence our tribe and sell stuff.
From a branding point of view we need a platform from which to build our strategic pillars of messaging and design. I lived in those worlds for a long time and they’re part of who I am today.
But today, the most important platform I have to build is the one from which I live my life. The platform from which my children and grandchildren will live their lives.
Each of us has a platform woven of stories and journeys of our grandparents who survived tragedies and enjoyed wild triumphs.
Knowing the inner rings of my own platform is increasingly important to me now as I am deliberate about giving our children great freedom and confidence in a life as children of God… and seeking His will for them.
How did we get here?
Fascinating, individual decisions made. Pivotal negotiations waged over oceans and altars.
If I can understand my parent’s parents and the points of impact in their lives, I can honor even more greatly the voice of my mother today.
Knowing and discerning the lives of my grandparents also gives me strength and clarity; an opportunity to connect to a great legacy, or distinguish myself from a pattern that can now be diminished.
If my mother’s mother daringly joined the Catholic Church because she was uncomfortable with the control of the Church of England in the early half of the 20th century, is it the Catholic Church that is her legacy or her awakening to the pursuit of a freer relationship with God?
The stories of our family are our true and personal platform from which we launch our lives.
How we continue legacies, repeat insane patterns or celebrate magnificent joy that has been miraculously handed down to us, determines how our children will do the same.
Are you deliberate about how you connect your heritage with your legacy?
4 Comments
Suanne Camfield
Great post Suzy! With all the pressure surrounding platform, we often forget the most important things we have to bring. Thanks for the reminder!
Suzy
Suanne! How wonderful to hear from you. Thanks for the encouragement… we should break bread soon.
I hope you visit again soon – and leave footprints.
-suzy
Chris Vonada
I think, for me, I get there every day by trying to focus on being a better me… growing in my relationship with Jesus… and making sure that whatever happens, I’ll be able to tell the whole story, not just bits a pieces of it.
I really enjoyed this Suzy, very inspiring!!
Suzy
Thanks Chris! I’m so grateful for your perspective. Our stories are all we have to hand down, right? Thanks for the encouragement. Have a great day!
-suzy