A Challenge for the Friends of Brett Baxley Gosnell (College ’08)

Dictated August 11, 2006

I am not here physically, but I am
looking down from heaven on this assembled
group. I challenge you to adopt a new goal, a
new way of life for yourself. Put helping, caring
about, and serving others at the center of all that
you do—not just for today or tomorrow but for
the remainder of your life.
I ask you to look for ways in which to
make a difference in the lives of others,
regardless of who they are or where you find
them. They are God’s children and they need
us. We must turn away from thinking only of
ourselves and remember that each one of us
has a capacity for doing something. Discover
what you can do—and do it. I ask you to do that.
But there is something else. In the act
of helping others, think of this. It was my desire
to make a difference, and I tried to do that in the
opportunities that were given to me. There was
so much more that I wanted to do, but I will keep
my eye on you from heaven. Now you can pick
up where I left off and serve so many others.
Hear this plea and respond to it. This is your
friend who asks you to accept this challenge.
Do something meaningful with your life. After
all, that is how you can most honor me and my life.

Brett

“Brett’s Challenge” was generously provided to Arts & Sciences magazine by the Gosnell family.