By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Last week we began a discussion on the why and how to leave a spiritual legacy for our children and grandchildren. This week, we will continue the discussion. I hope many of you started working on yours!
Spirituality takes time, effort, and discipline in God’s Word: giving, sharing, being Jesus to all we meet. Leaving a spiritual legacy means keeping our spiritual muscles in shape and never looking back.
Some parents and grandparents choose to leave a scrapbook filled with photographs with captions of what made those special. That may be a solution for you.
Or you may be a storyteller. Storytellers have existed since the beginning of time. Our ancestors used stories to pass along their family heritage. Consider recording yourself sharing your story so others can benefit.
We can also accomplish leaving a spiritual legacy through essays, letters, biographies, poetry, creative writing, memoirs, or planning a journaling Bible.
Even Jesus journaled. If in doubt take a look at His Word.
Some of our life happenings are humorous. Others are not. Include them all. The best written legacies are those that use sensory perception and show us as real people.
Many of you have already left a written legacy because of who you are. Perhaps you’ve embarked upon a memoir. You may have developed your family’s genealogy and taken stories of your own life and recorded them, showing life struggles and victories, failures and wisdom. Some of you have taken another step and written stories about your grandparents, aunts, and uncles who were special to you.
For my children and grandchildren, I chose journaling Bibles in my favorite version for each person. I read through one Bible each year and personalized it with notes unique to that individual — thoughts about Scripture, passages I recalled or a loved one had memorized, truths I wanted them to remember, lots of love, comments I felt came from God, plus I challenged them to live for Jesus every moment of their lives. Yes, it took a while, but I was blessed in the process.
Isaiah 55:11 – so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. ESV
Life is a journey that strengthens us, and when we share our values, experiences, and lessons learned, others are strengthened.
God may be calling you to get serious about leaving a spiritual legacy. Don’t worry about whether the gift is well received. Leave the outcome to God. After all, He already knows what He will do with your gift.
Are you ready to create your spiritual legacy?
Comments 13
As I’m getting even older, I find myself asking, “What legacy am I leaving behind for _____?” My family, friends, church, community, the world as a whole? How will my life be viewed? Will I be remembered at all? And WHAT will I be remembered for? I’m certain it won’t be my rugged good looks or my Atlas-like physique. 🙂 But what about the important things like integrity, strength of character, kindness, faithfulness? What about the things that transcend our lives and impacts the lives of others? Lots to consider, isn’t there my friend. God’s blessings to you and dear Mr. Dean.
J.D., I think I could fill a book about how we can leave a spiritual legacy to our loved ones – and doesn’t cost a cent. Be blessed, my friend.
Thank you, DiAnn.
I have written letters to God in the wide margins of one of my Bibles while going through uncharted territory. The Psalms have helped me lament, and praise. I want to record these and how God was in it all for my descendants.
Ethel, thank you for sharing how you’ve honored God with letters to Him. Unchartered territories are how we grow closer to Him.
I’m leaving some songs and poetry taken from The Word.
Example….A little bit of a song……………….
In the beginning, was the Word…The Word was with God and the Word was God
The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us: We beheld His Glory, full of grace and truth.
Chorus:
Jesus is His Name, Jesus is His Name, Jesus is His Name……The Creator of everything, Word of God made flesh; King of kings, Lord of lords, Gentle Jesus is His Name.
There are 2 more verses.
Vondia, your creativity, inspiration, energy, and wisdom are a blessing to all who know you. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
It’s all because of His Grace, isn’t it?
I think your wonderful gifts are more appreciated that you will ever know……now then, my dear sister in Christ, I need another suspense book from you…..SOON:~))
Good evening.
I love that, the journaling Bibles. I’m memorizing Scripture with my grandkids.
Gayle, I love the idea of memorizing Scripture. Thank you!
What a great idea, Gayle. My grandson is two and a half and loves to repeat new words. I am visiting him next week and will find a short verse to begin teaching him. Thank you for the inspiration!
I love this conversation link!
What a beautiful gift.
Thank you, Shelle, and it’s not difficult!