Recently, I
went to a Memorial Service for a woman who was like family
As I sat and
listened to her family talk about her life; how she had helped them, inspired
them taught and instructed them throughout their lives, I thought. Here was a lady that had an ordinary life,
yet she had influenced those around her tremendously. She lived to pour into the lives of three
generations. What a blessing that was
for her family. It was not only a gift to family, it was also her legacy.
It was echoed in the words of her children as well as they reflected on her words and related the things they had
experienced through her. Yes, her work on this earth had been completed, 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. It was something that will never lose value
with time. I know many of you can
reflect on things that your Mother or Father has said and done. Those things can either influence us positively or
negatively. As parents, 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, 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 will have 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?
Are you
living the proper lifestyle?
Are you
doing something worthwhile?
will your
life be an open book
For
anyone who wants to take a look?
Are you
building a foundation that will endure;
one that
is secure?
You do
not have to be a Queen or a King
To make
your life count for something.
You do
not have to be 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
anyone be proud to stand where you once stood?
Can your
children walk in your steps without regret?
Will your
words still speak?
Will they
inspire the 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 anyone
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?
Are you
creating a history that will last
From
generation to generation?
Because
as it is, so shall it forever be
your
family legacy.
When we
look back on your life, what will we see?
What will
your legacy be?
copyright Patricia Newman-Harris