Proverbs 13:22 "A wise man will leave a good legacy"...
Main Thought: Leaving a Legacy
Message:
This past weekend I had the honor of speaking alongside my mother at parent's church. We spoke at their 12th Annual Ladies Christmas Brunch. We had been talking and praying about what to speak on and felt led to talk about a woman's legacy (and also 'things my mother taught me'-was an underlying theme we had fun with during the brunch-you can find the funny's here). The brunch is such a wonderful community event. It was beautiful and well attended despite the freezing temperatures outside. And it was an absolute blessing to share the platform with my mother in the church I grew up in. I wanted to share a few of the points we made.
Leaving a legacy does not have to mean only from a mother to her children, but any woman, regardless of her marital status, is leaving a legacy by how she lives. My mother made the point to "Live on purpose". Don't just race through your day, ready to hit the pillow and only living for the weekend. It is important to be mindful of what we say and do because others are watching us, most importantly, our Heavenly Father. I then talked about how I see, clearly woven through almost every day, the legacy my mother is living out, in the way I do things, or teach my children.
My mother spoke about how we are to pass on the things that God has done. The Bible is a perfect example of stories written for generations to reflect upon, be encouraged by, and have a guide for living. The spiritual things my mother taught me are being repeated to my children, like praying for the ambulance driver as they race sown the street, quoting Scripture. praying for healing when they or a loved one is sick. These are all valuable things. Far more so than money!
We then see in Psalm 145:6-7 how it refers to the Lord and His goodness, and generation after generation will praise Him. This should spur us on to live a Godly life so that we can leave a Godly legacy. I know some people may have had a very rough life early on, this fact alone causes them to forge a legacy, determined to make their life count. I think leaving a legacy, many times shows perseverance, gives hope and inspires. Things we all need modeled for us and prayerfully something we are modeling for others that are in our sphere of influence.
This is how my mom ended the event, "The truth is, when it's all said and done, one day we'll all just be a memory for someone. We have to do our best to be a lovely one, A good one. An unforgettable one. And no matter what, we hope to leave people saying that because they knew us, they have been changed for good." I don't know where you might find yourself in this whole legacy thing-but I urge you to take some time this Christmas season and just be in God's presence, seeking Him about the legacy you are living and leaving. Ask Him to direct you if you feel change is necessary. The good news-until you take your last breath there is love and God's forgiveness. What kind of legacy are you going to leave?
Leaving a Legacy of Eternity,
Tiffany
I would love to hear your thoughts about legacy. Maybe a story of something your own mother, or mentor taught you-serious or funny. Also, if you would send me an email about why you think it is important to leave a legacy, I'd love that too. Tharrisphoto@gmail.com is the best way to get in touch with me. I hope to hear from you!
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