May 7, 2012
Help!
Years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret that I am unable to convey my father's request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack, and I'm afraid my mission to bring you to Alderaan has failed. I have placed information vital to the survival of the Rebellion into the memory systems of this R2 unit. My father will know how to retrieve it. You must see this droid safely delivered to him on Alderaan. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.
That concise appeal – delivered via a hologram, projected by robotic R2D2, in Star Wars: Episode IV (the first of the six) – made Carrie Fisher famous, at age 21. It was the high-water mark of her acting career; it's the role for which she's most remembered…
She said a lot in eight sentences. She established her credibility through her father's history with Obi-Wan. She reported the circumstances of the conflict that was going on around her. She detailed the strategic Plan B that had come out of the battle… and then cited the urgency of her request. How important was Obi-Wan's reply? “You're my only hope…”
Leia's message got Luke Skywalker on the case; what followed was the storyline for six blockbuster movies over two decades. From her desperation came the response that became the basis for the game-changer in the rebellion against the Empire.
Pretend that computer in front of you is R2D2; I'm standing-in for Princess Leia. We have enough backstory that I don't need to introduce myself; I presume that you trust my message to you.
Right now, we're under attack. So are you; it's no secret: if you're pursuing your Calling, the Evil One is actively opposed and firing live ammunition to try to dissuade you from your Mission. It's constant and expected; it confirms that we're on the right track.
That's all cute and trendy, but what am I saying? Today – today! – is a vital day for the Mission of The Master's Program. This is our most strategic hour. Help me, (your name here). You're my only hope.
Right now I'm with about 30 people who have given themselves to our Golf Challenge. We're on the course this morning playing the obligatory rounds of golf to unleash the funds from friends and colleagues to underwrite the start-up of new groups this year for The Master's Program, across America.
About 80 friends have directly sponsored me for today's Challenge. If you're one of them, thanks! If you prefer to make a dramatic entrance at the last minute, this is your chance! You can travel right now to my sponsorship page and help us in Palm Desert, from where you are right now!
Though we use the most secure web technology, some folks aren't comfortable with on-line donations with their credit information. If that's the case, you can hit reply – up there, in the corner – and let me know that you'll be mailing a check (it would be great to give me the amount you plan to send, if you do). I'll reply to your reply to give you mailing address information.
Star Wars had a powerful message, and a huge fan following: battles were being waged – out of view – that had the fate-of-the-future hanging in the balance. That was science fiction; we're engaged in the epic battle between God and Evil, and we're helping the next wave of Luke Skywalkers and Han Solos to find their battle stations and get into the game.
Next week, we'll be back to normal with Point of View. Today, I'm on assignment, raising the capacity to serve more leaders with TMP. Help me, partner: you're my only hope…
Bob Shank (you can call me Obi-Wan)