Legacy

On Tuesday nights I attend a class/program called Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and it really is just that.  It is where people come from all over (literally, because there is only one young adult group in So. CA and fortunately it happens to be in the next town over, but many come from far), to study God’s word.  It is pretty hardcore – there is daily homework and the study is intense.  Then when we meet on Tuesdays, we have a discussion group and lecture.  I will admit that sometimes it is a lot, but it is TOTALLY worth it - I am growing in the Lord and am deepening my relationship with my Heavenly Father…AMEN! :D

We are studying Genesis and I could write pages and pages about what I’ve been learning, but this past Tuesday, something stuck with me…like really stuck with me.  We’ve been reading about Adam and Eve, and their genealogy.  There is so much more to the story, but in short, one of the questions asked of us this Tuesday was, “what legacy will you leave?”

Ironically, Tuesday was also the day Lance Armstrong was officially stripped of his Tour de France medals.  The president of the cycling union said, “Lance Armstrong has no place in cycling, and he deserves to be forgotten in cycling.” 

As I began to reflect on my life, there were two things that I was certain of:

1.    I want to leave a legacy of faith; that those that knew me, my family, friends, co-workers, would have seen the light of Christ and felt God’s love through my life.

2.    I don’t want to live a life that deserves to be forgotten.

I’m still processing it all, but you know me and my jams…this song immediately came to mind.  The words are exactly how I feel.

And now I ask you…what legacy will you leave? 
 

 

Legacy

 

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's-who's and so-and-so's
That used to be the best at such and 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 lengthy 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;

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me.