It was sad for me to learn about about the passing of Chadwick Boseman on the 29^th of August 2020. Chadwik was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it in the last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. This was how the news was communicated on his twitter handle “…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…” The impact of his incredible and extraordinary life can be seen in outpouring of condolence messages including response to this tweet; replied to by 166,000 people, retweeted by 2.2 million people and liked by 7.5 million people after 3 days of it being shared.

Below are what I also shared on Facebook about him and lessons to learn from his life.

“While Chadwick Boseman was selflessly fighting colon cancer, he helped others fighting through theirs…He once gave an inspiring 34 minute message to Howard University’s graduating class, in which he began by ‘first, giving honour to the creator. In the message, he quoted 1 Corinthians 3:6 “As the Scripture says, I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it. But God kept it growing’ ‘God says in Jeremiah, I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future graduating class…Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill. Whatever you choose for career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose…”

“Whenever we read or hear sad news like the passing of Chadwick Boseman, we may ask difficult questions. Why do some people live long and others die young. The truth is that life is full of difficult questions. Perhaps you asked this question like I usually do when I read in the Bible how Herod killed James the brother of John with the sword? Why did God allow James to die painfully and yet miraculously saved Peter? Or have you ever asked ‘Why is one child physically handicapped and another child athletically gifted?’ Or ‘Why do people die before realizing their potential?’ We cannot possibly answer questions like these in this life because we do not see all that God sees. He has chosen to allow evil in this world for a time. But we can trust God’s leading because He has promised to destroy all evil eventually. Also, He is creating a new world order where there will be no sickness, death or injustice. So as long as our breath is still within us, let’s be intentional about loving God, living a life of purpose and loving others”

Question: What lessons did you learn from his life

Let me summarize mine:

1. Have faith in God and be proud to let people know you believe in Him
2. Live a life of purpose
3. Live a selfless life
4. Live a life of gratitude
5. Use your God-given talent
6. Learn to endure suffering
7. Give back and serve others

“The measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation” Peter Marshall

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