15 days ago, I faced one of life’s most profound losses. My wife, Farzana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by deep love.
In the days that followed, the outpouring of prayers, messages, and heartfelt support lifted my spirit. Each word reminded me of something Farzana lived every single day:
Love is service in action.
Farzana didn’t just talk about service—she was Service. Quietly. Steadily. Wholeheartedly.
A thoughtful conversation. A lovingly prepared meal. The invisible yet essential work behind the scenes—managing businesses and handling endless admin—so I could dedicate myself to service, coaching, and speaking. She held our essential space with the utmost of grace, never seeking attention, always giving fully. Her love was not loud, but it was ever-present, ever-powerful.
So as I return to writing, I do so not with a heavy heart, but a full one. Because even in grief, I am reminded:
Service does not stop. It deepens.
Service That Transcends Self (The ‘S’ in SPARK)
In the SPARK model, Service comes first—for good reason. It’s the foundation of a life of meaning. True service doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. It shows up, even when the heart is tender. Especially then.
Take Dr. Ola Orekunrin, for example. After losing her sister due to the lack of emergency care, she turned her pain into purpose—founding Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first air ambulance service. Her story is a powerful reminder:
Grief can ignite giving. Pain can birth purpose.
The Power of Everyday Service (Living to Give)
To live to give is not to sacrifice yourself—it is to align yourself. Align with who you truly are, what you deeply value, and how you want to leave others better than you found them.
Service is not reserved for the extraordinary. It lives in the ordinary:
- The teacher who stays late to mentor a struggling student.
- The caregiver who quietly supports a loved one with unwavering patience.
- The volunteer who cleans rivers or serves food at a shelter without seeking recognition.
- The friend who checks in, even when their own heart is heavy.
- The stranger who pays for a coffee, just to brighten someone’s day.
These acts may seem small. But their ripple effect is anything but. Because real giving is not about grand gestures. It’s about consistent compassion. It’s about showing up with love, again and again.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
In a world of AI, automation, and overwhelming noise, your humanity is your edge.
Your ability to care, to uplift, to serve—that is irreplaceable. That is your power. That is your legacy.
Service is not soft. It is strategic, transformational, and foundational. It builds trust. It shapes culture. It fuels purpose—for both the giver and the receiver.
Your goodness is something that can never be computerized.
3 Ways to Make Every Day an Act of Service
1. Shift Your Intention
Before a meeting, a message, or a moment—ask:
How can I bring value?
That simple shift changes energy—and people feel it.
2. Serve Who’s in Front of You
You don’t need a stage to make an impact. Start where you are:
- Listen with presence.
- Encourage with sincerity.
- Support with no strings attached.
3. Anchor to Purpose, Not Performance
When your compass is your values and principles—not just your KPIs— your work becomes soulful, not just successful. It becomes leadership, not just labor.
In Her Light, I Move Forward
Farzana’s light hasn’t dimmed. It lives on—in how I choose to serve, to give without counting, and to live with intention and grace.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be sharing more reflections on the transformative power of giving. I hope you’ll join me, not just as readers, but as fellow travelers on this journey from success to significance.
Together, we can live fully with SPARK: lead blessed lives through Service, Purpose, Attraction, Resilience, and Knowing.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Azim
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