As I listened to her family talk about her life,
how she helped them, inspired them, taught and instructed them
throughout their life, I thought, this is how it should be.
Here was a lady that led an ordinary life, yet she had
influenced those around her tremendously. She poured
into the lives of three generations. In so doing, she not only blessed
her family, she left them with the gift of her life as a legacy.
That was echoed in the words of her children as they reflected
on her words and related the things they had experienced through her.
Surely, her work on this earth was complete, but it will live on long
after she has gone. She didn't have a great fortune to leave her family, but
what she left was far more valuable to them. It is somethat that time
will never erase.
Each of us can reflect on things our mother or father has said or done.
Some influenced us positively others negatively. As parents,
grandparents, god mothers and fathers, Aunts, Uncles, older sisters
and brothers, we have an awesome responsibility to our family.
What we say and do does matter. It matters now and it will matter
long after we are gone. So it is I ask, what will your legacy be?
What Will
Your Legacy Be?
When we look back on your life, what will we see?
What will your legacy be?Will your memory live on
Long after you are gone?
Will you have lived in such a way
That someone has something good to say?
We have a dream to fulfill,
A foundation to build
Will you leave behind
A useful design?
Will your life be a tapestry
For generations to be?
Will your children respect what you have left?
Will they be able to follow in your steps,
Run with your shadow,
And learn all there is to know?
Will your life be an open book
For anyone who wants to take a look?
Are you building a foundation that is secure,
One that will endure?
You don’t have to be a Queen or a King
To make your life count for something.
You don’t have to be a Rosa Parks.
To leave your mark.
When we look back on your life what will we see?
What will your legacy be?
Is your life so set apart
That it can change someone’s heart?
Whose life will you have changed for the good?
Can someone be proud to stand where you stood?
Can your children walk in your steps
Without regrets?
Will your words still speak
Will they inspire someone who grows weak?
Will your teachings live on
Long after you are gone?
Will your prayers see your family through the trying years?
Can they draw on your wisdom and your strength
when you are no longer here?
If someone drinks from your cup
Will they be lifted up,
Challenged, and inspired
To go to a higher place?
Can they take your baton and win the race?
So again I ask,
Are you creating a history that will last?
From generation
To generation
Because as it is so shall it forever be
Your family’s legacy.
When we look back on your life, what will we see?
What will your legacy be?