A few weeks ago Rick Karle wrote a post about how Coach Nick Saban has earned by his success as a coach (and I would add by his position of leadership to so many) to be shown respect and honor by saying “Coach Saban” (or some other form of honored title) versus ‘Hey Nick” that many in the media use. In today’s world we all want to be ‘personal buddies’ and show our informal relationships by using first names, but Karle’s point was not that just Coach Saban had earned it but as a society, we should have more honor and respect (at least that was part of my take.)
I was reminded of this as I watched Coach Saban’s postgame interview following the Alabama coaching winning the National Championship. Coach Saban now has won seven National Championships, one more than famed and legendary Coach Bryant also of Alabama. As I heard the question to Coach Saban asking about his place in history compared to Coach Bryant, Coach Saban showed respect and honor to Coach Bryant. Saban spoke that Coach Bryant was the one who built the tradition and legacy. Without Coach Bryant, he (Saban) would most likely not have been able to do what he has done in his time at Alabama. He refused to even acknowledge the idea that he was now greater or better because his number was higher. Rather, he showed humility, honor, and respect for Coach Bryant, his family, and his legacy. In so doing Coach Saban further cemented his and Coach Bryant’s legacy.
While this is a great life and coaching principals it is Biblical and Christian ones as well. I will never forget a Word God gave me and I was able to preach in the 2009 Tennessee State Convention. It changed me, it put a foundational concept in my heart.
To build a legacy you cannot do it alone. You must realize you are building on the one before you and you should build so that those that follow you keep building. Simply, we are to climb on the shoulders of those before us to see further than they have ever seen. But we must also live a life so others can climb on our shoulders so they can reach and see further than ever before. Individually we could all only reach one level, but if we honor those before us we can stand on their shoulders and hope we can provide a foundation for the next generation to climb upon as well.
Together we can climb the ladders before us and reach higher and then provide a ladder for others that follow us to climb. In part 4 I state “The only way our shadow grows is to stand on each other.”
Let us build Legacy Ladders!
(Special Note – the Bible seen on the podium is my Grandmother Peterson’s Bible with her name on it.. I had to stand on her legacy to preach this Word at the age of 31)
Part 3 Biblical need of ladders/Multi-Generational Legacy:
Part 4 Examples of Multi-Generational Legacy Ladders:
Part 5 Together we can do more:
