Legacy

On Monday our entertaining, larger than life bus driver shared some of the significant land marks and history of Dallas with us. As we neared our destination, she then regaled us with an inspirational tale.

In 1963 a southern lady in Dallas area went into a local bank and asked for a small business loan. We would not think much of it today, but in those days, especially in the south, women were limited in their employment options. They were told that they were welcome in the kitchen, laundry room and bedroom, but not the board room. The loan officer, in a "professional way", declined to offer her the money. The bank wasn’t willing to take a risk on this woman with "their" resources.

Undeterred, she came back the next day near lunch time, took off her shoes and refused to leave this banker’s office until he offered her the loan she needed. Knowing that she meant business, he finally relented. She took the money, and not only did she pay back the loan, but turned a few thousand dollars into a worldwide multi-billion dollar corporation. Of course, that southern lady was Mary Kay Ash.

For a few days now, I have been surrounded by 6,000+ Mary Kay women. I came to support my wife, Sara, as she was recognized this year on the main stage as a new Directory in the organization. This is one of their final summer seminars. For the last five weeks over 30,000 women from around the world have gathered in Dallas to be recognized and receive encouragement and training as they continue to expand their business. I have to be honest; being around this much estrogen is almost too much for one supportive husband. But, I am so proud of my wife and her accomplishment, and I would endure thousands more screaming women to show her my support.

Mary Kay has an amazing story and has left a powerful legacy. However, it is not the growth of one woman to millions of consultants or a few thousand to billions of dollars that is the most impressive. It is the culture she created that has left a lasting impact. She developed a business where women could keep the right priorities – “God first, family second and career third.” She emphasized those priorities throughout her life and modeled them in the way she lived. Mary Kay developed a corporate culture based on the Golden Rule, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” She advocated “praising people to success” and encouraged millions of women to dream big dreams, set goals and to achieve them. She was a visionary and woman of great faith.

I have to say that all of this has been instilled in the DNA of these women. They are the most encouraging, positive group of people that I have ever been around. They honestly want to see others achieve their dreams and be the best that they can be. They keep the right priorities and follow the Golden Rule. Through their organization millions of dollars have been donated to charity and they seek to see positive changes happen in their communities. What a legacy.

What kind of legacy are you leaving? This Sunday we are going to be talking about the Faith of our Fathers – leaving a faith legacy. You won’t want to miss it. Join the ROC Flock for worship this week and lets learn together how to leave a lasting legacy of faith for our family. As these Mary Kay ladies would say - let's pass it on.