We all plant seeds of our legacy and those seeds will produce something. The quality of the legacy is determined by the nature of the seed. The quality of the seed is determined by the quality of the character, but the legacy is the fruit that springs forth. Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee expands on the “character is the issue” theme, by exploring the legacy of character. Whether in politics, marriage, education, or even business, what matters most is what lasts beyond the immediate to the ultimate. The challenge for all who wish not only to have character but to live a life of integrity is to live for those things which will build a legacy that increases in value over time. The culture of our society today is concerned only with the next election, the sequel potential, the next big media hype instead of being concerned with the next generation, the enduring quality of a story, or contributing to a worldview that lasts beyond one's lifetime. What matters most is what lasts beyond the immediate to the future.

Mike Huckabee recently completed more than ten years of public service as governor of Arkansas. In 2005, Governing magazine named him among the Public Officials of the Year, TIME magazine called him one of the five best governors in America, and he received the AARP Impact Award recognizing those who have done something extraordinary to make the world a better place.

An outspoken man of Christian faith, Huckabee is also a musician, playing bass guitar in his rock-and-roll band Capitol Offense. In January 2007, he received the Music for Life Award from NAMM for his outstanding support of music arts and education. Books he has authored include Character Makes a Difference and Living Beyond Your Lifetime. Mike and his wife, Janet, have three grown children: John Mark, David, and Sarah.