By Andrena Sawyer
Lies, lies, and more lies. If, like me, you bought into that narrative, you've been misled. Legacy is a commodity, created by those who refuse to stay in their place. The rich understand this, which is why some pay millions to be memorialized—to ensure it lasts.
For the past year, I've been captivated by the stories of two men: Nabeel Qureshi and Colin Kaepernick. If you've never heard their names, here’s the short version: Nabeel Qureshi was a former Muslim apologist who became a well-known Christian teacher. I’ve known about him for some time, but a year ago, at age 33, he announced that he was in the advanced stages of stomach cancer. Colin Kaepernick is a "former" NFL player who started a silent protest in response to the increase in police brutality and the murders of unarmed people of color. Amadou Diallo. Sean Bell. Eric Garner. Sandra Bland. Michael Brown. Freddie Gray. Alton Sterling. The list of people of color killed in police custody kept growing, so Kaepernick began sitting, then kneeling in silent protest. Since first hearing their stories, both men have lost a lot. Nabeel passed away on September 16, 2017, and Colin remains without a job, seemingly blackballed by his employer.
First, let me say that in a time when men are frequently emasculated, it was encouraging to witness leading men forge ahead despite hardships and persecution. But that’s a story for another day. What’s intrigued me most about both of these men is this: they each had a lot at stake when they decided to live by their convictions. They chose the purity and peace of conviction over comfort, reference points, and any temporary reward life might offer. At 31 years old, I deeply appreciate this.
I know my generation is often criticized for complacency, and I can admit that. In a time when chasing paper and Insta-fame are all the rage, it was refreshing to see these men take such bold stands for what they believe in—even when it meant hate letters, threats to their lives, severed relationships, ostracization, and, in Colin’s case, financial loss. Did they know the cost? I’m convinced they did. No one takes a stand like this without counting the cost. I respect them even more for that. The price for untainted and uncompromised conviction has never been cheap, but it will always be worth it.
So, what now? In Colin Kaepernick’s case, I pray the community he’s sacrificing for honors his message and our collective request for a new kind of leader. Now is not the time to remain silent or immobile after getting on our soapboxes to condemn inaction.
In Nabeel Qureshi’s case, I pray his legacy as an unashamed believer stirs us to take a stand against whatever persecution we encounter. The gift of life is bigger than the 80 years some of us will have, by the grace of God, on this earth. There is a legacy that awaits beyond that time. What will yours be?
About the Author:
Andrena is the Founder of the Minority Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network - a faith-based initiative for women in business.
She is also the author of several books including The Misadventures of a New Entrepreneur, and The Long Way Home. Follow her online @ Andrena_Sawyer.
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