Walking Among Giants: The Art of Leaving a Mark

Walking Among Giants: The Art of Leaving a Mark

The crisp air of autumn has a way of slowing time, inviting reflection. This past weekend, as I wandered through High Point University’s Kester International Promenade, I found myself surrounded by greatness—not just in the architecture or the gardens, but in the quiet presence of those immortalized in bronze.

Along the brick-lined path stood more than 20 statues of world changers—leaders, inventors, visionaries—each accompanied by words that have shaped generations. I paused at every bench, reading, listening, and offering silent thanks for how God used each of them to make a difference.

Halfway down the promenade, I stopped in my tracks at a quote by the artist Vincent Van Gogh:

“I am still far from being what I want to be, but with God’s help I shall succeed.”

Van Gogh’s words struck me deeply. Though he’s now celebrated as one of history’s most revered painters, during his lifetime he sold only one painting. He battled mental illness, rejection, and despair—yet he never stopped creating. His life reminds us that success is not always measured in applause, but in the courage to keep going.

Three Reflections from the Promenade

1. Inspiration Is Everywhere, If We Slow Down to See It
Our world moves quickly, but growth happens when we pause long enough to absorb the wisdom around us. That day, each statue seemed to whisper a timeless truth—urging me to listen, to learn, and to keep believing in what’s possible.

2. Every Act, Big or Small, Leaves a Mark
You don’t have to invent the light bulb like Edison or change the course of nations like Churchill. Sometimes the greatest legacy is a note of encouragement, a gesture of compassion, or a single life uplifted because you cared.

3. Faith Fuels Perseverance
Van Gogh’s faith didn’t remove his struggles—it gave him strength through them. Like him, we may never fully see the impact of our faith and work in our lifetime. But with God’s help, we too can succeed in the ways that matter most.

Conclusion

That quiet walk reminded me that legacies aren’t built in the spotlight—they’re shaped in the everyday choices to believe, create, and give. This week, take time to reflect on those who’ve inspired you, and consider how you might do the same for others.

As Vincent Van Gogh once said,