Live Your Life

Pass It On is a new, bi-weekly peek inside the heart and mind of Francis Pass…

Listen:

Click the play button to listen to Francis Pass tell this story.

Sometimes in life a message blows in with the winter wind and hits you square in the heart.

With the old year behind us and the new one still finding its footing, it’s a fine time to share some wise words.

They’re not mine. I wish I could say they were. Instead, they were written by my old friend, Shawnee Indian Chief Tecumseh.

I just hope I can do ‘em justice.

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.

Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.

Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place.

Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.

Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

Yeah. What he said.

Be well. Stay well. Thanks for readin’...

Francis Pass

P.S. – Did you know that the name Tecumseh means “shooting star?” I believe you are a shooting star, also.