Dr. J. David Jackson

American culture defines success in terms of material possessions, fame, job promotions, trophies, titles, the two or three letters at the end of names or just staying ahead of the Joneses. We live in a just-do-it society where the end justifies the means.

The empirical evidence shows the more you get, the more you need to be satisfied. There is always a void without balance. There can be a heavy price to be paid when your life is ordered like this. Ask the child who has no relationship with his or her parent. Ask the lonely husband or wife sitting at home wondering. Ask the divorce judge, the rehabilitation center managers or, in extreme case, the mortician. What would happen if everyone’s life was reordered to a life of significance?; A life in which authentic relationships count; A life of living in the present and seizing the opportunities in the moment; A life focused on genuinely giving oneself to making a positive difference in the lives of others; and a life in which contributions are paramount and you forgo the need to receive individual credit. That’s a life of significance. That’s leadership significance.

Did you know in Selma the demand for significance exceeds the supply of significant focused leaders? Here are a few examples of demand.

There are elderly people who don’t have enough money to pay for basic necessities in life. They stay inside their homes afraid to sit on their porch because of the danger in the neighborhood.

There are children who go to sleep at night hungry without resources to resolve the issue. These same children wake up in houses without a parent or parents and they look to their peers for guidance. They are illiterate because they have not been given a reason to read.

There are people who have chronic diseases who can’t afford their medication.

There are neighborhoods in disrepair that need just a little tender, loving care. There is litter to be picked up, flowers to be planted and buildings that need to be painted.

There are people who have lost hope who need just a little inspiration. There are young people having children at a time when they have not learned to take care of themselves.

When you ask, what can I do to help, you move from success to significance, to grow, to touch, and to make a positive difference.