What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?

Today is one of those days that gives reason for pause and reflection. You see, a good friend of our ministry passed away last week after a valiant battle with cancer. He was only 47 years old and left behind his wife, a college freshman son, and a high-school age daughter.

This morning, thanks to modern technology, I was able to watch Mark’s friends and family celebrate his life. As I write this, one frequently-mentioned word stands out in my mind: encourager.

Mark was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a lover of God’s Word. As a professional counselor, he encouraged countless men and women towards living a victorious life, but his influence spread far beyond his office.

Eternity will reveal the extent of his godly influence and ability to infuse others with the courage needed to change or persevere or pursue with passion God’s calling on their lives.

Mark leaves a legacy of encouragement

What will friends and family say about you and me when they celebrate us someday? What one descriptive word will pop up repeatedly when they speak about us?

Here are a few possibilities:

Joyful

Prayer warrior

Faithful

Patient

Hope-giver

Sensitive

Thoughtful

Courageous

Generous

Kind

Compassionate

A legacy of prayer

Personally, I hope to leave a legacy of prayer because of its importance in strengthening one’s intimacy with God and its role in changing people’s lives and even the course of history. For this to happen, I need to be a woman of prayer in the here and now, making prayer my lifestyle—as natural as breathing.