We’re looking forward to introducing you to Allan Musterer. Check out our conversation below.
Allan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity. It is doing the right thing regardeless of cost. Without integrity, our deeds lack authenticity and substance,
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have a wide range of experience in serving others. Serving has been the hall mark of my life endeavors. My formal education is in engineering and business mangement. I became a minister and have served in multiple capacities over my life. I am a published author and speaker to who ever will listen to my stories. Countless turningpoints in my life have garnered myriad experiences that fuel my storytelling and hopefully teaching and inspiring my listening audiance. My personal phylosophy is “there are no strangers, only friends I have not yet met.”
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was eleven months old when my mother wrote in her diary: “Allan is walking and we are putting him in his own bedroom!” What I clearly remember is my dad saying to me, “Allan! It’s time for bed. Go to your room and get a book.” I can see it right this minute me running down the hallway to my bedroom, running to the bookcase and retrieving my favorite book and racing to his waiting lap on a big rocking chair in his bedroom. Dad enthusiastically reading the story of Jiggers. This profound bond with my dad and the lesson it taught developed me into the voracious reader, storyteller, writer, author and incessant learner that I am today.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The death of my Aunt Frieda who was a grandmother to me. I was four years;
Then on April 10, 1947 I heard the sad news that my dear Aunt Frieda had died. I was four years and almost two months old at the time. I don’t remember what feelings came over me when I heard the news, but I am forever grateful that my parents took me to her wake and funeral. This experience proved to be a profound turning point in my life.
As I entered the funeral home, I was deeply moved by the scene of a huge number of flowers that to my small stature engulfed the whole room creating as it were a blanket. The flowers appeared to reach to the sky. Their aroma filled the room with a fragrance that still piques my senses. The scene was awash in a myriad of colors. My dad lifted me up so I could see my beloved aunt lying peacefully in the casket embraced by a sea of flowers. It was a profound experience in those few moments that gave me a peaceful and comforting view of death. I eventually realized that it gave me the ability to positively cope with the loss of dear ones for the rest of my life. As it turned out, I would experience many more deaths of very dear souls who deeply touched and blessed my life.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Jesus Christ. I am forever discovering how profoundly valuable His teachings are and how deeply they have benfitted me in life.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that they will say that “He gave of his best to the Master; Gave of the strength of his youth; Threw his soul’s fresh, glowing ardor into the battle for truth. Jesus set his example, dauntless was he young and brave; gave Him his loyal devotion; Gave Him the best that he had.
And that the essence of this poem would reflect who I am:
“Others”
By Charles D. Meigs
Lord help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for – Others.
Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I do for you
Must needs be done for – Others.
Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep; and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again
Unless to live for – Others.
And when my work on earth is done
And my new work in heaven’s begun
May I forget the crown I’ve won
While thinking still of – Others.
Others, Lord, yes others
Let this my motto be
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,lifeturningpoints.org and www.allanemusterer.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allan.musterer
Image Credits
Edward Musterer
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