Tuesday 2 March 2010

What kind of legacy?

I was flicking through the TV channels the other day trying to see if there was anything interesting to see  when I came across a programme which was talking about Princess Diana. Although I watched the programme for just a few minutes it got me thinking. Princess Diana died more than 10 years ago but her legacy still lives on. When she died I too was heart broken, she was someone I had grown to love. I remember watching on TV millions of people mourning her and the pictures of the many many flowers people all over the world sent her stuck to my mind for a while because I had never seen anything like that before.

Princess Diana left her own kind of legacy and so have many others both high profile  and ordinary people who have passed on. What about me? One day I too will leave this world to be with the Lord. Just the thought of being with the Lord in heaven excites me. No more pain, sickness but then what kind of legacy am I going to leave behind. My family, friend's, colleagues, neighbors, fellow brethren and so on when they think of me what will they remember about me? Will they smile because of fond memories that will come to their minds or will they frown and not want to think about me?
I realize that whatever legacy I am going to leave behind will depend on how I choose to live my life today. Do I reach out to others, am I a shoulder to lean on when I am needed and do I practice my love for other people?

The following is an excerpt of what singer Nicole Nordeman had to say about what kind of legacy she would want to leave behind:

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 mark on things,
I want to leave an offering,
A child of mercy and Grace who blessed your name apologetically,
And leave that kind legacy.

As for me I this is how I would want to be remembered:
  1.  As someone who refused to live life as an observer but who chose to step out and take initiatives to positively impact the world around her. 
  2. As a person loved with a passion, dreamed big, took chances and trusted God  unconditionally through the good and bad times.
  3. As a woman who stood out as a good wife and mother.
  4. As someone whose life radiated the glory and beauty of God.
  5. As a person who though might have made mistakes, learnt from her mistakes and never let those mistakes define her or her future.
  6. As someone who thrived for perfection, giving her all in whatever she did no matter how big or small the thing was.
Well, this is me and the kind of legacy I would like to leave behind. What kind of legacy would you want to leave behind? How would you want to be remembered - please do share your thoughts.

3 comments:

  1. I love this post. I remember when Princess Diana died. It was the first time I had ever seen my mum cry. Very surreal time. I was afraid to go through tunnels for ages. Even now when I drive through tunnels I always think of here.

    My legacy: I want to be remembered as a woman who loved and trusted God, a great wife and mother who impacted the world for the better - standing for what she believed in, regardless of the the consequences. I want to be remembered as having a great ministry for God - joyfully working with a spirit of excellence at all times.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wish I could rattle off a list or a few points, but I'm soul-searching currently. It’s something to ponder about perhaps at the other side. I’ll keep a mental note to post when I’m ready. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing From Now Till I do.
    That's fine Believer you can always post another time.

    ReplyDelete

Blogging State of Mind

2018 is coming to an end. It has been a crazy year and I can't believe that we are already looking at another new year. To be honest, bl...