Albert Schweitzer : The Union of Word and Deed
In 1994, I was visiting Charleston Southern University alumni in Atlanta when I found myself with a few minutes in between appointments. I saw a rather large bookstore and decided to engage in one of my favorite diversions: to mingle through old books and find a treasure of inspiration. I never tire of exploring the titles of old books - it transports me to times in the library as a kid in the summer ....the musky smell of leather bound yellow paged treasures...one more chance to find inspiration...to breathe in more than oxygen....an expectation of finding some greater meaning and love. On this day, I perused the booshelves, as I often do, hoping to run across a title that inspires my mind and heart. It was my first introduction to one of my most treasured heroes - Albert Schweitzer. The paperback book I found was, "Out of My Life and Thought". This began a fascination with his life and example...an example I still think today is one of the most thoughtful and meaningful lives ever lived. At the heighth of his vital powers, success and fame, Dr. Schweitzer decided to give up his life of writing, speaking, music, teaching and preaching, to become a doctor and go to Lambarene to serve the needs of natives in the deepest part of primitive Africa. He tired of words and wanted to define his faith by serving individuals who had no way to pay him back. For whatever reason, I have always remembered how I felt the first time I saw that book and what it meant to me in the months and years following my introduction. I have always believed that besides God Himself in Christ....this was one of the most meaningful and sacrificial lives ever lived. Here is an eight piece video documentary that outlines his life. I keep it on the website to remind me of the meaning of Legacy Road. I hope you are as inspired as I have been at the depth of love, humility, and compassion that Schweitzer embodied and symbolized.
"No greater gift than this that a man lay down his life for a friend."
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
An Eight Part Documentary Series of His Life and Thought
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
"My life is my argument"
Albert Schweitzer
