Lessons from Lincoln

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln gave his noted Gettysburg Address at Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  Although you may not reside in this country, there are lessons to be learned from Lincoln, the 16^th President of the United States.

Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was born into a poor family in a one room log cabin in Kentucky.  When he was nine years old, his mother died of milk sickness.  He and his father, who later remarried, moved a few times during his younger years, but later settled in Springfield, Illinois.

Years after his first love, Ann Rutledge died of typhoid fever, Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842 and would have 4 sons together.  Two of his sons died before his death, one at age 4 and another at age 11.

Lincoln’s formal education consisted of about 18 months of schooling; however, he was self-educated through reading books.  His dedication to reading led to his interest in law, and worked toward starting his own law practice in Illinois.

Along with his work as a lawyer, Lincoln’s list of accomplishments includes his position as an Illinois state legislator, a member of the United States House of Representatives, a two-time candidate for election to the U.S. Senate, and 16^th President of the United States.  His successes also include leading his country through the American Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery, just to name a few.

Despite his limited formal education and the emotional hardship from the loss of his mother as a child, his first love, and the loss of two of his own children, Lincoln overcame great obstacles in his life to become one of the greatest presidents in history.  So, how was he able to do that?  His purpose and passion, I’m sure, had everything to do with his success.

Lincoln’s passion for the written word prompted him to educate himself by reading a list of books which included The Bible, Aesop’s Fables, The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Pilgrim’s Progress, Robinson Crusoe, and The Life of George Washington.  He also read from the works of Shakespeare, Byron, Poe, Euclid and Milton.  His passion for learning paved his way to his career in law and politics.

Lincoln undoubtedly found purpose in serving his country and freeing the slaves.  His Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation, and his passage of the 13^th Amendment to the Constitution were proof of his dedication and commitment to all people of this country.

Abraham Lincoln remains to be an icon in American History who lived his life with purpose and passion.  Now, what is your purpose and passion?  My challenge to you is to discover your purpose and put it to use.  If you already know what it is, great!  If not, stayed tuned for more on that topic.

To Your Success,

Kay L. Fontana
“The Grandcoach”