Have you ever thought about what it might take to become great? I hope that there has been a time when you have sought to define what greatness means. However, sometimes because of the swift pace in life, the last thing that we focus on is identifying the steps to greatness.Recently, I had an opportunity to speak at an event celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All were invited to think about greatness. When Dr. King said, "he should sweep streets so well that all the host of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lives the great street-sweeper who did his job well,'" he was defining greatness for the world. Dr. King invited humanity to see greatness through a new lens that called for a commitment to service.
I believe that everyone can serve, and that all can serve well.
That's where greatness begins to grow and multiple throughout our community. Therefore, the S.O. Factor for greatness involves focusing on understanding what it takes to Serve Others and to give Glory to God in all things!
You may wonder what the S.O. Factor looks like in everyday life. It's unique for each of us. It's more than having money and being associated with the right people. Greatness is more than try-ing to be first for the sake of being first. For you see, the "Drum Majors" aren't just seeking change for change sake, they seek to make a difference so that others may live in a better way because they opened themselves up to be used by God. That kind of greatness is a gift that we are called to give away to help others who come behind us on the roads of life!
How does the S.O. Factor impact our lives? Start by giving back for the sole purpose of helping
others. Until the "S.O. Factor" is
our purpose, we may miss dis¬covering what really matters in our lives. When we give back to others, we can embrace a renewed strength to live each day with boldness. Our strength then comes from a place of compassion instead of external power.
Serve Others, and God's purpose for each of us will be revealed through joy in our hearts! Do something great, and the S.O. factor will come alive! Claim our purpose. Know that all of us are free to become who God is call¬ing us to be. Therefore, know that we are called to serve; live as God is calling us into greatness. Let this be a new day to start serving others in a new way. May the S.O. Factor come alive in each of us today!
Here are a few organizations in College Station Community that need volunteers:
• Lincoln Center - contact Lance Jackson at (979)764- 3779 or lj ackson@cstx.gov
• Twin City Mission -www.twincitymission.org or call (979)822-7511
• First UMC - community out¬reach with Family Promise -www.1stCollegeStation.org
A Publication of the Texas A&M African-American Professional Organization
