Leave a Legacy
Do you have interesting stories to tell like this Southern Belle I met last October? Framed photos of generations before you that bring you great joy?
Or are you like me, either don’t know much about your family tree? Or maybe their stories are ones you’d rather not hang on your wall?
Our lives are affected by generations before us. Parents. Grandparents. Great grandparents and beyond. We learn what is important by what they chose to do with their time. We learn what they cared about by what they spoke out about. What silenced them, we took note of, Maybe that doesn’t matter. Then we grow up and often repeat what we agree with and dump what we don’t. Regardless of the good or bad legacy, family touches our lives. The reality is we are here to leave a legacy. It’s overwhelming at times.
I’ve been thinking a lot about legacy this year. Asking myself hard questions. Finding no clean cut, easy answers. Feeling frustrated with my failures and yet feeling hopeful all in the same because I’m still here.
When I think about my future family members, I wonder, “What will they say about me?” “Will remembering my life bring them joy or sorrow?” “Will my photo be hidden or displayed?”
These two verses give me a clue about the whole legacy thing.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:5-6(NIV)
When I read and reread these verses, I see one strong way to affect future generations.
To love God and keep his commandments.
Father God, I need You. Without You, I’m a mess. I need Your life-giving, life-changing Word. I need Your Holy Spirit to guide me daily. Teach me how to love You more each day. I want to keep Your commands. I long to live a legacy of love. Please show Your love to thousands of generations after me. The greatest gift I can leave behind is NOT my picture and my legacy, it’s YOURS! In Jesus name, Amen.
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Tiffany at Tea with Tiffany
Amen to that Tiffany. I pray that God will use me to draw others to Him through the things I do and say.
Thank you for sharing your honest heart with us.
Amen, Tiff! Legacy is my heart’s cry. I’m always looking for ways to leave a legacy-not so much that futures generations remember me, but rather be pointed to the God I love and walk in the light of His glory.
Love you.
Oh Tiffany,
Before I read a word I saw the picture and knew it immediately. It was such a blessing to visit with this couple to see all that their life was. In fact, I think I have a close up of that photo she is pointing to.
Great devotional and moving. Hugging you and remembering our special weekend last year. God moved. He spoke and we are forever friends. Love you my sister, Lynn
Tiffany. I love your last sentence: “The greatest gift I can leave behind is NOT my picture and my legacy, it’s YOURS! In Jesus name, Amen.”
I’m in total agreement!! Praise God!
Your post on legacy struck a chord with me and I just had to post the words to Casting Crowns’ song, “Life Song”:
***
Empty Hands held high
Such Small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Chorus:
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign your name
to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
LORD, I give my life
A Living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Let my lifesong sing to You
***
Praying that this is the legacy we leave…
Living for Him, Joan
Great post! Speaks to my heart write now as I compile pictures of my dad and create an album to remember him by. He impacted my life and the lives of my children. We miss him and don’t want to forget what he gave to us. 🙂
Love this post Tiffany. When I think about the legacy those I love have left behind I long to do the same, to be remembered as someone whose heart totally belonged to Jesus Christ.
I really love this sis.
This is a difficult topic for me, Tiffany. Mine are those stories one doesn’t want to frame in glory. But I love what you say here. I have a pattern to break. I’m leaving a legacy that matters. His.
Love this post! When it comes right down to it all I really want my family to remember about me is exactly what you said at the end of this post.. that I “loved God and keep his commandments”. Oh, there are days Satan creeps in and tries to tell other things are important to remember, but God always gently reminds that this is the first and foremost.