I was saddened to see the news that Gale Sayers had passed away. Brian’s Song (the original; the remake was horrible) is one of my favorite movies, and I have an autographed copy of I am Third which is worn from reading. One of my daily mantras is “I am third”. It comes from a quote that Gale Sayers first saw on the desk of his track coach at the University of Kansas. I have paraphrased it as “My God is first, my family and friends are second, and I am third.”
‘I am third’ is other-centeredness. It is the concept that “God is love”. It is the definition of Spiritual wellness. It is a philosophy for living. It “servant leadership”.
‘I am third’ is not easy. Self is always trying to secure dominance. It take humility and a sense that Self is not the center of the Universe.
I try to watch Brian’s Song often. I cry every time. Personally, I have little regard for anyone who can watch that movie without crying. “I love Brian Piccolo, and I’d like all of you to love him, too.” I think these words speak to us among the current tensions in the United States—and the world. It behooves us to take these words to heart—to consider them as “I love my neighbor, and I’d like all of you to love him, too.”
‘I am third’ elevates self from a point of focus to a point of action—of Purpose. I am reminded, today, to try a little harder.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!