My thoughts from Harland C Stoneciphers funeral on Thursday. It was a day I will never ever forget. I was tired from traveling, yet we made our way to Ada, OK. On Thursday at noon the friends and family of Mr Stonecipher began pouring in. Before long, all 1,100 seats were full. I got to see so many friends that Ive met during my 16 year career with Pre-Paid Legal / LegalShield. Everyone was there to honor a man who poured into their lives, as he did mine. Let me start by saying that it was the vision of Harland Stonecipher that got me to join his company, and make it my career... my own calling for the last 16 years of my life. His integrity was unshakable. His character was like a rock in the river you could cling to. I am convinced that his life was shortened by the stress of building such a ground-breaking company that transformed Americas legal system. The short seller attacks out of greed surely were very difficult on him. But he fended them off like nobody else could have. PPL came out triumphant in the end and the shorts got whacked. HCS stood for justice. He stood for the common man. He set out to change life for anyone who wanted it. As I sat in my seat listening to the eulogies, I felt mixed feelings. What a great way to be honored for living so well, serving so many. I felt love for him, and proud to have served with him. But I also grappled with the idea would I ever have such things said about me and the life I lived? How many people show up to your funeral, and how you will be remembered, these are important to us all. As my eyes teared up, and looking at all of those close to Harland how they will miss him so dearly, it was overwhelming. It reminded me that THIS is why I want to keep living right, and fighting the good fight. This man stood for something. I am a network marketer by trade. But I see 99% of marketing companies started because an entrepreneur wanted to make money, so they set out to come up with a product that would sell, then they recruit a downline to sell it. Its all about making money. With PPL/LS, and for Harland, it was way different. Its a cause, a crusade. You see, you had an accident, and from that accident he recognized a major injustice. He set out to right a wrong. His first intent was not about making money. That part was figured out once the solution to the injustices was birthed. The Stoneciphers fought through lean times, selling their furniture to make payroll. They gave up and sacrificed more than most could fathom. Who else would have done this? Who else would have had the backbone and resolve? Would I have? This raced through my mind as I stared at his casket and the flowers that adorned the stage. This man was, and is, a hero. When the going got tough, I have watched countless men and woman shrink back and flee over the last 16 years. Its too bad that they chose not to learn from, and model this mans character and resolve. Did I always agree with his every decision? No. But did I trust in the end he would always do whats right for us all? Yes. I never doubted his intentions. This mission of Equal Justice was always front and center. I vow to stay the course and carry the torch. Harlands mission is my mission. I have the vision and I will see it through during my watch. This is bigger than me, than any of us. It is not some home based rinkydink business selling stuff to people. This is bigger. We change lives. My work is my ministry. LegalShield is worthy of my days and nights, and the time of all who feel compelled to do something great with their lives. The world saw the passing of one of its truly great visionary leaders last Monday. We cannot keep them around us forever. Eventually, we will see him again in Heaven. I feel comforted in having known him, having learned from him, and having the chance to embrace his vision and work ethic to go accomplish great things in my life with this company. I feel like he will be watching over us and helping to guide us from a higher point of view. From now on, when I come to a fork in the road, or come across a challenge, I will simply ask WWHD... what would Harland do? I hope that others will lock arms with me and pursue this mission with me in the same manner. The world will be a better place for it. I will forever miss you Harland Stonecipher. I hope to make you proud.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 14:39:09 +0000
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