The highway of life has
forever presented mankind various opportunities to lead abundant lives.
Marriages, childbirth, new jobs, and fruitful relationships are a few examples
of how humans make the best of this life. Moreover, the ways in which we
utilize the time between womb and tomb is imperative to how we will be
remembered when it's all said and done. For several years now, I have been
obsessed with my very own death and more specifically, my lasting legacy.
How will I be
remembered? How will I be eulogized? That may seem imbecilic, but I
have felt for many years that I won't live long on this Earth, therefore, I
must be prepared for that great Day of Judgment that no man can escape.
At my funeral, I have
just one request and since it is my funeral, I would assume this small request
would be granted. As I lay peacefully in my wooden casket with draped in the
most fashionable garb, I want Martin King’s Drum Major Instinct played over the
loudspeakers. This sermon is the very reason I began to ponder over my last
days. It brought me into a new world of deep, social consciousness; therefore,
it would only be right for it to usher me out. The Eulogizer will have an easy
task sending me out. They won’t have to read off my vast list of
accomplishments, degrees, and awards. Any mention of personal accolades or any
mode of self-aggrandizement will not be permitted. I do not want to be
remembered in such a manner. I want the world to say that Damien Thaddeus was a
deep thinker, loved his neighbors and enemies unconditionally, and served
mankind in a radical manner. That’s what the eulogy will read. That’s what my
life’s work will say.
I want the record to
show that I used my intellectual abilities to advance the conversation on
social ills and help alleviate suffering in impoverished communities. As I
travel this long and winding road of servant leadership, I pray that I can use the bully
pulpit of public life to speak out against massive injustices in America and
around the globe. I want the record to reflect that I wrote books, essays, and
gave speeches/lectures on how to improve the lives of the poor and destitute. In my academic
endeavors, there is no doubt I, like many others, “want to be important, to surpass
others, to achieve distinction, to lead the parade” (King), but the record must
reflect an insatiable desire to inspire, gain paideia, and serve in order to
aid the least of these.
Whenever I release that
final breath, I hope those that knew me understand I had “a soul generated by
love” (King). I pray my actions and behaviors bled with agape love, the same type
of love that Palestinian Jew named Jesus exhibited during his purposeful trek
on Earth. When professional colleagues slandered my name or my work, I turned
the other cheek. When naysayers unfairly criticized me, I blessed those who cursed
me. My friends, it is a serious challenge loving people who don’t love
themselves, but let the record reflect that I pressed on loving my brothers and
sisters no matter the conditions. I want the world to understand that my deep
and abiding love was consistent and not contingent on any feeble circumstance.
When my heart beats for
the last time, let the record show I served humanity in a radical fashion. I pray my
mode of service inspires others to serve. Everyone can achieve greatness
through high quality service. One doesn't have to be on the highest portion of
the economic ladder to serve. One doesn't have to have titles before or after
the name. My friends, “you only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by
love. And you can be that servant” (King).
The new mantra of
modernity is Y.O.L.O. This maxim reminds us in times of fear, confusion, doubt,
or indecision that we only live once and one should live well. Within that same
vein, we must be reminded that we only die once. Some philosophers would argue
that living is essentially learning how to die. Others would assert that one's
death invigorates life in others via deep inspiration. On my day of expiration,
brothers and sisters, let the final record reflect that Damien Thaddeus learned
how to die through deep love, incredible courage, and authentic service to
mankind as a whole. Along that trail of learned finality, I hope I inspire a
soul or two. Then, my living or dying would not have been in vain.
Contact Damien Thaddeus:
Activist, Blogger, Organizer, Public Speaker, Culture Critic, Poltico, Radio Host
3100 Cleburne St.
Houston, Texas 77004
Cell: (832) 703-9783
Twitter: @Damien_Thaddeus
Instagram:@damienthaddeus