A Life Well Lived - Chadwick Boseman
Still processing Chadwick Boseman’s death and still don’t quite have the words for why it hurts so much. I know that we are all to leave this earth at some time but I don’t think I thought Chadwick would have gone as soon as he did. He was only 43. I think Black Panther being released was the movie I never thought we happen. It broke records and gave a younger generation positive representation they could look up to. I can’t even explain how I felt to see a movie that has powerful strong representation of people who look like me. Black Panther was a game changer. Chadwick was the front man. The King who empowered his people.
Because I can’t quite find the words, this post is going to be a mix of posts that I have found that say things better than I can right now:
Three lessons from his life:
He worked hard and didn’t let his situation stop him from achieving greatness
I’m amazed that Chadwick had been suffering from Cancer for FOUR WHOLE YEARS and still gave his all in the incredible movies he was a part of, guest appearances, hospital visits, interviews… he didn’t allow illness to hold him back. He continued to work hard, inspire people, work in his purpose and affect change in his sphere of influence. He did not allow his illness to be front and centre of his story with the public but it was in the back and in private where it needed to be. Not everyone needs to know everything. It might shift how people see you.
His circle were loyal. Like… wow!
You never know what anyone is going through, so be kind
I added the next couple of posts because they are incredibly powerful for us to consider going forward:
Chadwick Boseman is teaching us all what it means to be committed to your calling and purpose through suffering. Most of us aren't ready for that level of commitment. We would rather complain and procrastinate than run the race set before us with complete focus. If Chadwick didn't run his race and commit to producing his purpose on time, we wouldn't have had the cultural transformative experience of the Black Panther. At 42 he has achieved more for black culture than so many beyond him in years and experience.
Legacy teaches on even beyond the grave.
If Black Panther was produced through terminal cancer, we can produce excellence through 2020 and still achieve our goals.
#nomorecomplaints
#procrastinationdiedtoday
#iamaccountable
#nopainnogain
#2020isnotcancelled
This year is proving more and more that we need to do what it is we are called to do because we don’t know when our time will come.
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When a legend dies, the world mourns. Everyone writes a eulogy on how their life has been impacted by the icon etc. It got me thinking about the following things:
✨ What will people say about me when I’m gone?
✨ What impact or legacy am I leaving behind?
✨ Am I living the very purpose which I have been called on this earth to do?
Sitting on your gifts and talents because you’re not sure? Ask yourself this - What if Kobe decided he wasn’t sure if he should play basketball or not? What if Chadwick didn’t act because he was not sure of the perception he would receive? What if you don’t follow the dreams that God has birthed inside of you - what if you don’t start your business or that hobby or that side project? Everyday you’re saying the same thing:
‘I’m thinking about...’
‘I’m wondering whether...’
‘I’m just not sure if...’
‘I don’t know if...’
Sis, stop making excuses!
Start now! Start today! JUST START! How will you know if you don’t start? How?
The whole world is waiting on you to manifest that greatness inside of you but you’re just determined to let it die by questioning yourself over & over again.
START.
START NOW.
Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone.
START TODAY!
(Click the image to watch the video in Uninterrupted’s Instagram page)
No actor played historical black figures in the movies since Denzel Washington’s “Malcolm X and Hurricane Carter” like Chadwick Boseman did. He always depicted black excellence with grace, intelligence and power. Some of my favorite roles he played were obviously “ Black Panther” but also Jackie Robinson the first African American athlete to break the color barrier in sports. He depicted Thurgood Marshall who sat as an Associate Judge at the US Supreme Court, he acted as the King of Soul James Brown amongst other roles. He painted a picture of black excellence and intelligence. Let his life inspire us all to lay it down and maximize the moment because at the end of the day life is a collection of memories and impact. Let us be intentional about being a blessing, creating the necessary impact and building enduring memories that will live on after our lifetime.
Rest In Peace King T’Challa the Black Panther, Wakanda forever.
Thank you God for blessing us with the wonderful Chadwick Boseman. Be with and comfort his wife, family, co-stars, friends, collogues and everyone else who is mourning. Help us to use his life as some sort of fuel to pursue what you have created us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Taken from Chadwick Boseman’s Instagram page
