Living Well Between the Dash: A Tribute to Our Hero

 “Your very existence is wrapped up in the things that you are here to fulfill.”
​- Chadwick Boseman

 Picture if you will, a dark room filled with candles, flickering strong burning flames. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 reminds us that we are “Children of the light, and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” I imagine you and me as those flickers of light in the world, and when one light goes out, it is the job of the others to shine even brighter.
 
The recent passing of actor, philanthropist, cultural activist, justice gatekeeper, and trailblazer, Chadwick Boseman hit me exceptionally hard. I confess, with all that is going on in the world: the injustices, racial discrimination, division, and senseless killings at the hand of crooked cops that have seemed to plague the African-American community, to me his death felt personal. Not because I knew him, but because he embodied on a larger scale, the values by which I live. Chadwick’s light felt familiar, and I think that we all could have benefited from his light a little longer.
Then the idea came to me, we originated as a thought in the heart and mind of God. We were created by His hands and He breathed into us the breath of life. Therefore, we are on loan to the world. What is of the utmost importance is how we live our lives between the dash. Boseman stewarded his gift and honored the Lord through it, never failing to glorify Him publicly on the platforms he graced. He chose to accept only the roles that he believed would showcase the Black characters he portrayed in a positive way. He took the responsibility of being a strong Black lead seriously on and off the screen. Part of Boseman’s purpose, I believe, was to help change the Black narrative, and to tell our stories with integrity, authenticity and respect.

There was a statement issued by his representative on the day of his passing that said, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.” (https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdLs05FWTn/)
 
Sometimes God’s plan is hard to figure. The sting of this loss is something with which we will have to grapple, but the legacy and the incredible art that Boseman created, should inspire us all to courageously pursue our purpose, to push a little harder, and run the race that has been set before us, with strength, endurance, and most importantly with the faith that we will be victorious in the end.
 
Dear Chadwick,
Thank you for your strength, for your integrity, for your grit, for your fight, for your light, for your art, for your passion, for your profound and prolific words of wisdom and encouragement, and for sharing your gift with the world. Know that your impact stretches far beyond the 43 years that you graced the earth. We are inspired by your brilliance.  Your name is forever engraved on our hearts. Thank you for leaving the world better than you found it. We are all grateful that you existed.