There has been much written about the remarkable contributions of Dorothy Height since her passing on Tuesday. Many have remarked that she was not widely known by the public, how she worked quietly behind the scenes and as a matter of principle did not force her way into photo-ops with her male counterparts in the civil rights leadership of the 1960s. But the truth is that the dimension of what she accomplished and the positive influence she had on millions will perhaps never be fully told. She had an amazing influence on everyone she touched. And in the truest sense, she set the standard for the rest of us on making the best use of our time on earth.
The following is an excerpt from a recently completed book by Dorothy Height entitled Living With Purpose that I had the pleasure to work with her over the last few years to compile. I hope by sharing these words you will understand more fully the gift that she gave to all of us.
From Living With Purpose by Dorothy I. Height:
Many people are derailed [from pursuing a life of service] from the start by overarching self-interest. Of course, we have to feed, clothe and have a roof over our family. But it becomes painfully obvious when someone latches onto a cause and only cares about their own accomplishment, recognition and advancement. Instead, it is better to think about "enlightened self-interest." Enlightened self-interest describes how putting your objective far ahead of your personal agenda creates a vortex where your beneficial personal goals often fulfill themselves without padding your expense account, pushing yourself into photo ops with celebrities or walking into every situation with an attitude of entitlement. More often than not, your heartfelt dedication to your objective and your clear lack of self-interest create a level of success that can even surpass your initial expectations. I remember a reporter from the Associated Press asking me somewhat incredulously how I had the courage to call up corporations, foundations and individual donors and ask them for thousands and thousands of dollars. Did not it make me feel nervous, she was curious to know? "No," I answered. "I have never asked for anything for myself.""But what is in it for me?" That is always a proper question. The important thing part of that question is to determine "what does 'me' want?" For me, my answer has always been that the love of service is sufficient reward. It is not that I will be paid back that I am willing to invest myself in helping someone move ahead.
Some people look at me and falsely assume that my life has been cloistered in self-sacrifice. It is hard for some to understand that when you do things that are helpful to others that you are also helping yourself. It is based on a recognition that I am not diminished but I am gradually accelerated when I work with you. Here's the important distinction: It is not "I am doing this for you." Instead, "Whatever I am doing, I am doing it with you."
In recent years, the idea of making a career out of public service has been a harder sell, for example, working for community organizations and non-profits. There is such an emphasis in our society on status and wealth. It is rare when someone with a great education and professional expertise would chuck away such promise to work for lower pay and accolade. Too often, we hesitate to do for fear that we will not get the credit.
In the Bible, it is referred to as Agape. It is this notion of an unconditional love of service to others that you will also find included in most religions and spiritual beliefs. It is not based on giving motivated by what I will get back, like some form of karmic quid-pro-quo. And get it out of your mind that the person you help now might later on return the favor and assist you if you ever needed it. If you do so, you will often be very sorely disappointed.