Life's Redemption

Fortunately for all of us, there is such a thing as redemption.

Redemption is when a person (or in this case, an institution) makes wrong choices that result in their impending demise. Then, through efforts beyond themselves, they are afforded the opportunity to live anew - to start a new life.

In the Christian sense, redemption happens when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal savior. To do this, the person must recognize and confess their sinfulness and receive the redemptive act of Jesus' death on the cross (as magnificently portrayed in "The Passion of the Christ").

The process has been very similar in the case of Life University.

Academically speaking, Life was missing the mark. According to the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS - a regional accrediting organization), Life's shortcomings were grounds for probation and loss of accreditation, which were expected to lead to the demise of the college.

The loss of students put Life in peril. The university's once-heralded municipal bonds dropped to near "junk bond" status as its credit rating plummeted. Legal and other expenses kept climbing, forcing Life to lay off many.

In order for Life to be redeemed, it first had to admit the offenses, and then seriously address them. This was evident by the chain of events that led to new leadership both on campus and in the Life University boardroom. This "admission" was also the impetus for many changes in other parts of the institution.

But for all of these efforts, it still wasn't enough.

Life reportedly needs to reach balanced budget status by the end of this fiscal year (September). This means raising a reported figure of approximately $3 million by donations, increased enrollment and/or other income - a seemingly impossible task just a few months ago.

Fortunately, the way of redemption involves forces beyond what we can do on our own.

At the same time this was all happening at Life, a different chain of events was taking place at Palmer University that would ultimately free former Palmer Chancellor Guy Riekeman, DC, and put him in a position to join the Life effort for survival.

Dr. Reikeman exhibits many of the qualities required to help raise the necessary donations and bring back a level of confidence within the student body that hasn't been seen on campus in a long time. He fills the niche left by Dr. Williams in many ways.

This is not to say that Guy Reikeman is the "savior" of Life. Many people have worked very hard to keep Life alive. But Dr. Reikeman is key as a leader capable of garnering the necessary funds and support.

Please make no mistake: It is the series of events that is facilitating Life's survival - events that the university couldn't have planned, but is now enjoying the benefits of. Unforeseen events are how redemption works. We do our part and redemption takes it from there.

What is the future for Life? Only time will tell. But people there have a new attitude that reflects faith and hope where skepticism and depression used to reside.

This same story of redemption can be true for you and your practice.

Perhaps the past few years have not been your best, personally or professionally. That doesn't mean it can't turn around.

You too can take an honest look at your circumstances, admit your failings and seek to be redeemed. But your actions must be sincere:

1. If you are doing things you know are wrong, change what you're doing.
2. If your attitude is negative, angry and abusive, ask yourself, "Why?" (and be honest when you give the reasons).
3. If you've mistreated others, admit it and apologize.
4. Spend time quietly with your Maker. Seek His guidance.

If you can identify with some of these feelings, you are not alone. I see it and hear it in the voices of many DCs.

Redemption can be yours in a very real sense. Do what you know you need to do, be sincere, and trust in the rest.

DMP Jr.