Photo By: Marilyn McKenzie Francis
This book provides an intense but inspirational perspective on the power of the human spirit. It explores our most primal capacity to see the best of the world in the worst of life's moments. It reminds us that goodness and humility are powerful gifts when guided by an open mind, prayerful hands, and a caring heart. It is a must-read for anyone who finds themselves at a challenging time in their life.
When one emerges from a life storm, by default, they become stronger, healthier, wiser, and are ready for new growth and to face new challenges. That is if one has unshakeable faith, perseverance and maintains a positive perspective.
Meet Michael K. Francis
Michael is a C-Suite Business and Human Resources executive with more than 30 years of professional experience working in the Federal and municipal government, with four Fortune 500 companies and as a Management Consultant. In 2020, he founded BEAM Executive Advisors, LLC to provide consultative services to clients based on collaborative relationships, trust, and integrity. BEAM approaches each client engagement with the belief that: Challenging business decisions become less complex and stressful when you put "People First."
Recently, he survived a third wave of life-changing medical events, which compelled him to share his story. This latest round occurred in the spring of 2021, right after turning 59, a time he initially believed would be the prime of his life. In layman's terms, 59 Prime is the culmination of an ordinary person's life experiences and lessons.
Photo By: Marilyn McKenzie Francis
Michael is a proud Austinite;
59 Prime is his first book.
Many of us try to assess our lives when we reach a milestone; particularly one of age. Few are able or willing to give an unvarnished and relatable view as Michael does. He was once a client of mine as he went through one of his transitions and that turned into a friendship. It’s pretty hard to not like the guy! I’ve got roughly a decade on him but there are some great insights and lessons for me. Isn’t 61 another prime number, Michael?
Beautiful, Michael. Keep writing. We all need to be reminded to see God’s perfect timing in what seems random. To see his great mercies in our everyday interactions.
Not once in 58 years had I ever contemplated writing a book. But in the spring of 2021, after going through the third medical intervention of my life, everything changed. I decided in the midst of this journey to seek a different path than I’d taken during my previous two close encounters with fate.
I was determined to honor commitments that were conceived and crystalized in the middle of a pandemic. While home alone for 72 hours without power during an epic Texas snowstorm. Inside the temperatures fell below 40 degrees, and I was rapidly losing sight in my left eye. Cautiously driving me through ice and snow banked streets, a neighbor graciously delivered me to the Emergency Room, where I calmly waited 10 hours in the ER lobby. I would spend the next four days and three nights in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV drip, praying and reflecting on my life. Six days after discharge, I would ultimately be re-admitted at a different hospital to undergo emergency eye surgery.
So the next time, I am determined to be at peace in that hospital bed. Knowing, I had followed through on my commitments. For me, no more squandering unknown precious time.
59 Prime: A Journey of Faith, Challenges, Hope, and Triumph
These reflective moments became the genesis for 59 Prime, which chronicles my life’s blessings, challenges, and triumphs. It is my sincere and most substantial attempt thus far to pay it forward. It’s my gift for anyone facing personal or professional obstacles while navigating through this thing we call life.
And for me, well, I now have that playbook to keep me focused and prepared for life’s next storm.