It is interesting that when someone dies it causes us to look back on our own self worth. We wonder if our family and friends will be sad or glad that we have “passed on”. Now both could be ok depending on how you look at it. If they are sad, it could mean they loved us so much and are missing us being physically with them but that the memories are good. Or it could mean they are sad we died before they would get back whatever we owed them or that our death means they have to find someone to “borrow” from. They could be glad that we are no longer suffering through some painful illness and glad because they know we died in the arms of Jesus and our eternal soul is saved forever. They could, also, be glad that we are gone because we were miserable and mean spirited and made everyone around us miserable and because of our death, they can now live in peace and tranquility – without us.
I often ask different ones (especially my sons) if I made a difference in their lives – good, bad or indifferent. I want to know if I am making a good legacy – if others will remember and be happy that they knew me – that I was a positive part of their lives.
Now there will always be those that will love you no matter what and those that will hate you no matter what. The people in your life that fall in the middle are the ones that will be able to say what type of person you truly were.
Make a positive impact on the lives of others now. You have talents and resources that God has given you, not only to benefit you, but to benefit those around you. Use them to help someone see life in a better light. Use them to glorify God.
When you get a chance, read the Beatitudes located in the Holy Bible, Matthew 5:1-12. Many people feel that these are just riddles or stories Jesus told for that day. They are virtues that teach us today how we should live our lives and treat others. The entire chapter speaks of how we should form our character and the type of attitude we should portray in our daily lives. If we live by these principles we will create a legacy that will show God throughout our lives and in every endeavor we pursue.
Allow yourselves, through these values, to become the “salt of the earth”. Build a righteous legacy so that the memory of you will be full of flavor and joyous times. If you choose to live a stagnate life and ignore the negative impression of you that other see, then your legacy will be tasteless and your memory thrown out into the street for people to walk on. (paraphrase from Matt 5:13).
In the last month three people I had grown to love and admire have passed on. Fortunately for them and me, they were good men of God and spent their lives serving Him and man. Two of the men died from prolong illness and had time to say goodbye to their loved one. The third young man was in his late 30s and died suddenly, without any warning. I know that he will be surely missed because he had such a Godly spirit and everyone enjoyed his presence in their lives.
We do not know when our last moments of life will be. There may be no opportunity for goodbyes or I’m sorries. We should use the time we have now to make our lives and the lives of the people around us better. Legacies are not about how much money or physical property we leave behind. Our legacy will be made of the memories that others have for us and how we touched their lives. I remember that one of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s favorite songs was “If I Can Help Somebody”. Every morning my prayer is that God will put me in the path of someone that I can help and everyday He does. I can not give anyone high self esteem but I try to always have kind words and actions to lift someone’s spirit and an offer of prayer for everyone.
I believe as Dr. King (and as I did, you should substitute your name and particulars for his):
“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, PLEASE tell them not to talk too long.
I’d like somebody to mention that day that I, AudreyAnn Coats Moses, tried to give my life serving God by serving man.
I’d like for somebody to say that day that I, AudreyAnn Coats Moses, tried to love everybody – even people that refuse to love me.
I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war, abortion, homosexuality, religion, politics, and any other social question.
I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry.
And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked.
I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison.
I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.
I want you to say that I tried in my life to show people God.
Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice — for peace — for righteousness — all of the other shallow things will not matter – money – prestige and luxurious things of life… “(excerpts from The Drum Major Instinct Sermon, February 4th 1968).
The most spiritually gratifying legacy anyone can leave behind is the memory of a committed and righteous life. My hope is that when people remember me they will be able to say that my living was not in vain.
— Then my living shall not be in vain
Then my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I pass along
Then my living shall not be in vain –