A life of legacy

One of my dearest and closest friends recently blogged about doing something of "significance" with her life.  It resonated with me.  While I know that my girls are significant (and teaching them to be awesome, God-fearing women is a true calling), I know there's more.


I was reminded of that again when we found out that Brian's Aunt Joan had passed away.  She was truly a special lady.  She was an ordained minister with a passion for Christ like most never see.  She had an incredible prayer life! She is the reason that so many folks know of Christ's love and sacrifice.  She loved her family just as passionately.  She had a significant influence in Brian's life and I'm grateful for it!  I only got to know her for ten years, but her legacy will live on in me and many others.  She made sure that there were folks behind her that would carry the torch. 


She was a woman of prayer and although I pray, I know there's a need for someone to step into her shoes and pray even more.  They are big shoes.  By God's grace, I will make sure her life's mission will continue for generations to come.  


When I finally reach the gates of heaven, I want those left behind to carry my legacy too.  I want them to see my shoes as "big." 


What kind of legacy are you leaving? One of pessimism? One of anger or doubt or fear? One of being miserly? Unapproachable? Or are you leaving a legacy of love? Christ's love.  Are you leaving a legacy of selflessness and prayer? 


I want to leave a legacy.  


Lyrics to Nichole Nordemann's "Legacy"

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Joan Hack

September 22, 1941- June 8, 2010