Monday, December 23, 2019

Pastor's Ponderings, December 22, 2019

Today, we have my daughter, Malika Fair, making a guest submission.

Living Out Your Purpose

Eight years ago, I began working with an outstanding physician scholar who would eventually become my mentor and friendFitzhugh MullanHe helped to celebrate the birth of my daughter and one week after she was born, my dear mentor passed away. As I reflect on his life, I am struck by his commitment to his life purpose right up until the end.

Fitz fought for equity and social justice in healthcare both in the US and abroad. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. But the truth is, sometimes our calling is not always fun. Dr. Mullan’s fight towards equity was not always popular. He fought for unconventional practices in medical schools and teaching hospitals that would ensure minority students access to medical schools, more physicians and other health professionals practicing in rural and underserved areas and a posture of health institutions to consider their social responsibility to reduce health disparities. 

Dr. Mullan realized that his role as a physician scholar was one of privilege and he used his national positions and academic credentials to pursue social justice for others despite resistance. Even with the knowledge that his time on this earth was coming to an end, he still submitted a paper during his last week of life that furthered this mission.

The scripture says “To whom much is given, from him much will be required” Luke 12:48 NKJV. Also, in Matthew 25:14-30, we read the parable of the Talents. Three men are given talents to invest while their master is away. One man buries his talent, another invests modestly and the other maximizes his potential. We all have been given talents to use on this earth and it is our decision to either bury that talent or use it for good.

What talents have you been given? What tables have you been invited to join? We all have an opportunity to either fulfill our God given purpose or squander our lives away. Please join me in honoring the life of my mentor and pause to consider what God has called you to do. What are you scared of? What seems too difficult or unpopular? We each have a purpose and mark to make on this world. Let us work with what we have been given and let God use it to bless others.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

A good word, a challenging word, Malika...the attached photo was a meaningful support for your message. . . . It was GREAT to see Yantee again.

Luv,
Mickie