Growing up, my friends and I were asked what we wanted to be in life? Of course, the expected answers hinged on career goals. Many persons said they wanted to be doctors, lawyers, nurses. As for me, I had no idea what path I wanted to take. I was not so sure of myself.

It wasn’t until my teenage years I saw the value in selecting a path that is not only about making money. Sure, financial security is definitely important. We all want to support whatever (semi-) lavish lifestyle we would want to have. However, life should not be about building an empire, but leaving a legacy.

Our lives on this earth should not only be lived for ourselves but should be used for positively impacting the current space we are in and for generations after us. We would not have the use of iPhones if not for the vision and work done by Steve Jobs. US Open Women’s Champion for 2018 Naomi Osaka would not have been attracted to tennis if not for the drive and work ethic of Serena Williams. Some seasoned dancehall artistes are no longer doing music about promiscuity but are producing music that their kids can listen to.  

How ironic is it for a son to have all the luxuries and benefits of his father’s business, but still unable to experience the gift of quality time with him? How tragic is it for a mother to spend all her money on social events, while her child is unable to go to school because of lack of resources? Believe it or not, we are here to motivate, inspire and cause a chain reaction to stomp out injustice and let love come alive in the world. We cannot afford to think selfishly. We are called to be our best selves, right here and now.

Understandably, for many, funds these days are scarcer than Big Foot himself. But sometimes, cash is not needed to care. Some of the most famous and impactful people that have walked this earth are not known for their bank accounts but for their character. They lived by example. This is one of the reasons I love Jesus.

We too can still make waves in small ways. Serve our communities with a smile. With all the resources we have at our disposal, we can find new and innovative strategies to change the world. We are the change the world is waiting on. We are the change we want to see.

This is the context in which I live. I live in an era where young girls are seen as disposable sex toys and boys are conduits for violent behavior. I have friends and acquaintances who struggle with life. They struggle with themselves, and just need a shoulder to lean on. I see a broken and messed up world. People need help. People need hope. I may not have loads of money, but if it takes one of my songs, conversations, blogs or threads to make a difference, so be it. I’m leaving material possessions behind anyway.

What about you? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What do you want to be remembered for? What kind of foundation are you building your life on? What do you want to see changed in the world? Will you be that change? The world awaits.

^{Photo by Anna Might (IG:@annamighttakepics)}