Declarations
Living and Leading above Your Circumstances
by
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The last thing I did, before shutting the door behind me for the last time in over a decade, was to take a single sheet of paper from underneath the glass that protected the historic desk which had been my workspace every day of my three terms as the chief law enforcement officer of this jurisdiction. This sheet was not an afterthought. It was the most important thing I would take with me. It had provided me with inspiration and guidance over the years. I had reviewed its contents every morning. Whenever I was faced with overwhelming challenges or great opportunity, I would reread its contents. When I needed wisdom beyond my capacity, its words would light the way forward. While many of the treasured possessions from my office would end up in an attic, the words of this document would still remain a part of my life.
This single-page document contains the declarations that have been responsible for any personal or professional success I have enjoyed. I have shared them with individuals and groups many times over the years. I would like to share them with you in the hope that they will lift you above your circumstances to a life of purpose and joy. They have value not because I wrote them, but because they are based on God’s word. I discovered them within the writings of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians, which he authored when he believed he was possibly facing death and had one last chance to pass along the wisdom of a lifetime to those he loved.
I have witnessed several people facing their last few moments on earth during my many years in law enforcement. Some recoil in terror at the prospect of dying, fearing the unknown future that awaits them beyond the grave. Some stoically accept their fate without comfort or hope that there is any life after death. Many regret actions they have taken, people they have hurt, or opportunities they have wasted. In contrast, others face death with peace and a faith-based conviction that they will be ushered into the presence of a loving God as they leave this world.
The law recognizes the value of “dying declarations” as evidence in court because the victim or suspect has no reason to lie and nothing to protect. Condemned inmates are given an opportunity to express their last words to the witnesses and members of the victim’s family because it is their last chance at redemption and forgiveness.
Last words spoken by famous people are valuable because they tell us so much about the speaker. George Washington’s final words after serving as a great general and our nation’s first president were “’Tis Well.”John Quincy Adams said, “This is the last of earth! I am content.” In contrast, less distinguished President Grover Cleveland’s last words were “I have tried so hard to do right.”
Some waste their last words with attempts at humor or despair. Queen Elizabeth I made the final declaration, “All my possessions for a moment of time.” Beethoven proclaimed, “Applaud friends, the comedy is over.”The great Greek mathematician Archimedes responded to his impending death by saying, “Wait 'till I have finished my problem!”
Last words can communicate the priorities and values that the speaker lived for and wished to share with others. President Dwight Eisenhower uttered the words, “I've always loved my wife, my children, and my grandchildren, and I’ve always loved my country. I want to go. God, take me.” Indira Gandhi, on the night before her assassination, said, “I don't mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die today every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation.”
Finally, last words can provide instruction and direction. Many who have time to contemplate the prospect of death take time to write their most important and urgent thoughts and feelings to those they leave behind. It is a chance to express love and impart wisdom in a way that is authentic and earnest. Those words carry the weight of a lifetime of experience and reflection.
Perhaps the most famous last words were those spoken by Jesus Christ before being taken up to heaven after his resurrection. He gave those he loved a commission that changed the world for all time...
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About the Book
“In his inspiring book, Bob Brooks, having capped almost four decades in law enforcement with a twelve-year tenure as the elected sheriff of Southern California’s Ventura County, has invited us into the private quarters of his heart to reveal a set of battle-proven guidelines that he kept on his desk, each powerfully verbalized in the language of the apostle Paul’s short letter to the early Christians in the city of Philippi. Paul’s counsel and Brooks’ stories of their impact on his leadership style, and his life of service, suddenly seem tailor-made for today’s challenges to anyone with huge responsibilities and tough choices that affect the lives of others. Brooks’ writing style is both commanding and gently encouraging, sympathetic but pulling no punches. Leaders will find themselves keeping his book nearby to pick up again and again—to read and re-read—when faced by challenges that can wear one to weariness or timid responses just when assurance and clarity are needed.”
—James R. Wilburn, Dean, School of Public Policy, Pepperdine University
About the Author
Bob Brooks served as the elected sheriff of Ventura County, California, for twelve years, the culmination of a thirty-seven-year career in law enforcement. Sheriff Brooks received a Doctor of Laws degree from California Lutheran University and graduate degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and Regent University. He is currently an adjunct professor of public policy at Pepperdine University and a licensed pastor.