death, icons, and legacies

Sadly, within the last week, four American celebrities have passed from this life. Each had a significant impact on our culture – for different reasons. Michael Jackson (yes I actually did like some of his music) passed away last Thursday and has received the most media coverage. There have been numerous shows already doing celebrations and memorials for him. No matter your personal opinion of MJ, his music will live on – so they say. Farrah Fawcett also died that same day after fighting a hard battle with cancer. Her beauty has been recognized for generations – so they will say. Earlier last week, another cultural icon – Ed McMahon passed away. Those older than me (I’m finding I don’t get to say that as regularly anymore) will remember him from his performances with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. This morning we lost a TV commercial icon – Billy Mays.

While I’m saddened for their families they all leave behind, I must be honest with myself and realize this is a reminder that life is short, no matter your impact, it’s short, so go at it, and go at it well & hard.

However, as I mentioned, we lost what many say are icons, as these each had a cultural impact on us. Yet another death has provided me with the most hope.

Head football coach Ed Thomas was gunned down last week during by a former player. Coach Thomas had a local, yet significant impact on the lives of hundreds of high school athletes, of parents, friends, and coworkers. Coach Thomas coached for over 34 years and was the coach who produced several NFL players. Considering that less than 1% of high school players make it to the NFL, the fact one coach in Iowa led 4 guys to the NFL is amazing. Yet that’s not what makes him significant in the community.

One of his former players, and current NFL player said this about his former high school coach:

“Coach Thomas was very special to me and many other young men from the Aplington-Parkersburg communities. His legacy for many will be associated with his tremendous success as a football coach. However, I believe his greatest legacy comes not in how many football games he won or lost but in the fact that he was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He lived his life trying to exemplify this faith and convey those values to those under his influence. His faith in Christ pervaded everything he did and that is why in the midst of the heartache we all feel there is comfort in knowing he is with his Savior.”

So as I reflect on the deaths within the last couple weeks, I’m provided the most hope from the one mentioned last here. As I value music & the arts, I must also realize the importance in having an impact first must start with our relationship to Jesus Christ. It starts here. Our legacies can be great, but without knowing the hope of Jesus, our legacies will be insignificant. Consider your life, consider where your hope rests. Consider what others will know of you. May you find your hope in this world in the resurrection of Jesus, of a God who loves you.