A week or so ago, I posted about the tragic and sudden death of a friend and former co-worker, Liz Duncan, and I’ve been wanting to post another entry about things on the back end of everything that went down. First off, it was, and has been since, a tough time in the world of AIA following the events, but it also has been a tremendous time of celebration. Celebration? Yes, celebration. Celebration of a life well lived! The Tuesday after Liz’s death we held a memorial service at AIA headquarters and I couldn’t help but see how Liz lived life well!
Recently, I was talking to a group of high school kids and I was talking about Changing the World and how so often young people think they can’t make a difference, or they have to wait to get older. I told the kids we have to take advantage of each day we are giving and trust that God can use us to Change the World, because we are not guaranteed tomorrow. As I think back to my interactions with Liz and the many stories I’ve heard since her home going I have been inspired, convicted and many other feelings as I’ve looked at my own life. Liz made a difference, Liz Changed the World! One of the ways, we have seen the difference Liz made was at Brooks Sports in Seattle. Brooks shut down their office, their production factory and much more in the wake of Liz’s death and then went above and beyond. They will be releasing a shoe with Liz’s initials on them, they are starting a Liz Duncan Memorial Fund and much more. They had a news clipping about all of this, here is a section that moved me (click HERE for the rest):
During her time at Brooks, Liz elevated teamwork, spirit, energy and confidence within her department and beyond. A consummate shining light for all that is good and inspirational in the world, she brightened the days of every employee, account and partner she came in contact with.
Liz made a difference. What difference will you make today? What difference will I make today? May the life and death of Liz inspire each of to live life well and point to Jesus often in the midst of it!