A Lasting Legacy
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” – Colossians 3:12–15 (NLT)
Eight years ago, my father was diagnosed with cancer and given one year to live. Fear gripped our family, but we turned to Jesus. Through countless appointments, scans, and treatments, we watched the tumors shrink. Eventually, the doctors declared him cancer-free. It was a miracle. God gave us many more years with my Dad than what the Doctors had said.
But the real miracle wasn’t just physical healing. It was the transformation of his heart. During those years, my father’s faith deepened. He grew tender, kind, and grateful. He loved Jesus and gave testimony of God’s healing in his life. His reflection of life was intentional and life changing
Then, just a few weeks after being told he was cancer-free, he passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack.
We were stunned. It didn’t make sense.
Later, while reading through his journal, we came across a simple but profound question he had written to God:
“What will people say about me when I’m no longer here?”
At his memorial, that question was answered over and over in the service as well as from those that attended:
“Your dad was so kind.”
“He loved so well.”
“He had such wisdom and humility.”
The experience of my Dad’s passing has caused me to pause and reflect deeply:
What kind of legacy am I leaving?
Am I clothed in kindness, humility, and love like Colossians 3 describes?
Do I forgive easily, or do I hold on to offense?
Do I live in peace, or do I let pride and disappointment shape my responses?
Life is short. James 4 reminds us that it's but a vapor. We were never meant to carry bitterness, anger, or restlessness. When we release those things to Jesus and give Him permission to soften our hearts, His peace comes rushing in.
And it’s in that peace that we find purpose.
My father’s life taught me that the greatest legacy isn’t in what we build, but in how we love. That kind of legacy impacts generations.
So today, let’s reflect:
Am I living the life Jesus died to give me?
Am I leaving behind a legacy that reflects His love?
Our flesh is weak, but His spirit is strong within us. We can do anything He calls us to do and be the example that mirrors the heart of Jesus alone with the Holy Spirit. We have this, and I believe we can leave a legacy that lasts!
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the reminder that life is short and sacred. Help me to clothe myself in kindness, humility, and love. Soften my heart toward others. Teach me to forgive quickly, and to release offense. Let me leave behind a legacy that honors You and draws others to Your heart. Amen
Eight years ago, my father was diagnosed with cancer and given one year to live. Fear gripped our family, but we turned to Jesus. Through countless appointments, scans, and treatments, we watched the tumors shrink. Eventually, the doctors declared him cancer-free. It was a miracle. God gave us many more years with my Dad than what the Doctors had said.
But the real miracle wasn’t just physical healing. It was the transformation of his heart. During those years, my father’s faith deepened. He grew tender, kind, and grateful. He loved Jesus and gave testimony of God’s healing in his life. His reflection of life was intentional and life changing
Then, just a few weeks after being told he was cancer-free, he passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack.
We were stunned. It didn’t make sense.
Later, while reading through his journal, we came across a simple but profound question he had written to God:
“What will people say about me when I’m no longer here?”
At his memorial, that question was answered over and over in the service as well as from those that attended:
“Your dad was so kind.”
“He loved so well.”
“He had such wisdom and humility.”
The experience of my Dad’s passing has caused me to pause and reflect deeply:
What kind of legacy am I leaving?
Am I clothed in kindness, humility, and love like Colossians 3 describes?
Do I forgive easily, or do I hold on to offense?
Do I live in peace, or do I let pride and disappointment shape my responses?
Life is short. James 4 reminds us that it's but a vapor. We were never meant to carry bitterness, anger, or restlessness. When we release those things to Jesus and give Him permission to soften our hearts, His peace comes rushing in.
And it’s in that peace that we find purpose.
My father’s life taught me that the greatest legacy isn’t in what we build, but in how we love. That kind of legacy impacts generations.
So today, let’s reflect:
Am I living the life Jesus died to give me?
Am I leaving behind a legacy that reflects His love?
Our flesh is weak, but His spirit is strong within us. We can do anything He calls us to do and be the example that mirrors the heart of Jesus alone with the Holy Spirit. We have this, and I believe we can leave a legacy that lasts!
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the reminder that life is short and sacred. Help me to clothe myself in kindness, humility, and love. Soften my heart toward others. Teach me to forgive quickly, and to release offense. Let me leave behind a legacy that honors You and draws others to Your heart. Amen
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