Pure

By Jeff Becraft

In going through some of my Dad’s stuff, we came across a letter from one of his coworkers. I think it was written to my Dad around the time of his retirement. Dad worked until he was 81 and would have kept working except Mom had come down with alzheimer’s and he retired to be able to take care of her.

In the letter, the following was stated:

“I wanted to send you a note because I really wanted to take the time to tell you what an honor it has been to work with someone that is so respected and admired in their industry. When I talk to subcontractors, designers & engineers, owners, nearly every different profession in our industry and say I work for Glen Construction, I am always asked about you and told what a great person you are. In getting to know you, and hearing all the stories about you from so many people in so many different parts of our industry, it has been such an honor to work with such an honest, respectable, hardworking, giving, devoted, pure man. You truly are an inspiration, not just for the workplace, but for how to live your life.”

Over the last year, I have heard more than one person use the word “pure” to describe Dad. It is indeed a very accurate description of the man he was.

The primary definition for “pure” in Webster’s dictionary is: unmixed with any other matter.

Over the years in asking various groups what the characteristics of a good leader are, I can’t recall anyone ever listing the word pure… even in any of my own lists. The closest word to pure that would be mentioned was probably integrity. But looking at the list that this coworker used to describe Dad, I think the most significant word is pure. Because that affects all the other characteristics.

I heard someone speaking recently who asked, “What do you want to be like nine months from now?” I think, for me, one of those characteristics would be pure. I don’t think I would describe myself as pure… unmixed with any other matter.  Whether it be decisions or good things I do for someone else or whatever, often times there can be (even if it is way back there somewhere) some thread of self-seeking or concern for my reputation or “how will I come out looking in this situation” or…

But pure… that is simple and true… all the way through.  Not only does that inspire people around you, but it lifts all the other positive characteristics to a higher level.

Jeff Becraft is the Director of Our Place of Hope and the Director Emeritus for Youth Corps and has dedicated much of his life to helping shift the vision of people’s lives. Our Place of Hope is a paradigm shift for people living with mental illness that encourages them to regain meaning, purpose, and hope for their lives. You can connect with Jeff at  [email protected].