“His resume reads like a National Geographic magazine, with excursions around the world seeking DNA samples… James Sorenson has served as Director and Chief Scientific Officer for Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, some big words for DNA-driven genealogy. The project's goal is to link every individual in the world together through DNA.” That is how his obituary began, when he died earlier this year.
Born in Rexburg, Idaho, in 1921, Sorenson struggled through both the Great Depression and dyslexia to emerge as one of the century's great inventors. Among his roughly three dozen patents are the blueprints of machines now universal in modern medicine. He started in pharmaceutical sales in the 1950s. While calling on doctors, he noticed problems and came up with solutions, starting with a disposable surgical mask that replaced less-sanitary cloth masks, which had to be laundered. Sorenson invented numerous other medical devices that are now essential equipment in health care today—and became Utah's wealthiest man amassing a fortune estimated at $4.5 billion, according to Forbes magazine's 2007 rankings. He was known both for his wealth - and for choosing not to flaunt it.
He was quoted as saying, “Wealth is an opportunity for further achievement.” Financial success enabled Sorenson to turn his attention to his real passion: making the world a better place in which to live. One of his philanthropic endeavors is creating the world's most comprehensive correlated genetic and genealogical database, which may forever change the way ancestry research is done. By showing how closely human beings are tied by heredity, Mr. Sorenson believed he could promote peace, compassion and brotherhood among humankind. Through his estate design, he decided to give it all away to the Sorenson Legacy Foundation to distribute to those causes close to his heart.
What is the impact you would like to make with what God has placed in your hands? The issue is not how much you have, but Who has it—and what are His claims on your life. Sorenson became more committed to significance more than success. What about you? Do you live for a higher calling?
David Livingstone once said:
“I place no value on anything I possess, except in relationship to the kingdom of God.”
A Practical Application: Evaluate what God is challenging you to do with your resources! Consider estate design and planning well to accomplish your goals for your estate! Consider making a charitable gift through your plans!
