Legacy

It seems like I was always sitting on some sort of leather couch, in a softly lit office, lined with a plethora of books, all the while a pair of eyes studying me from an adjacent chair. But this day was different. Of all the sessions I’d spent trying to heal what had been broken, this particular one, miraculously broke through.

“You’re going to leave a legacy of resilience.” Her words were the balm my soul needed to hear in order to propel me forward. In that moment, I felt the reassurance that this painstaking process, actually mattered. The long, winding road of restoration was doing something I could barely see just yet; but her words that day gave me a glimpse of hope. All these sessions, tissues in hand, fighting to make it to the other side, were weaving a peculiar glory into the tapestry of God’s great purpose for my life.

“For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle,] but then [when the time of perfection comes, we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just like in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known by God.” (1 Corinthians 13-12 AMP).

The legacies we leave behind matter deeply for the next generation. To stay stuck in a cycle of generational bondage is to allow the enemy to hold us in captivity. Satan would love nothing more than for us to give up and live as victims, making excuses for our harmful reactions. He’s an expert at spoon-feeding us ammunition to keep us bound in resentments, fanning the flames of debilitating fear.

In order to break free, we must be willing to let go of everything the Father of Lies has used to harm us, bravely laying every unwanted transgression at the feet of Jesus. Many will rationalize how forgiveness is impossible, but Jesus lovingly models for us the life changing freedom that comes with letting go and trusting in His redemptive plan.

It’s time to stop surviving and begin to thrive.  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The truth is, legacies are created one small choice at a time.

The choices of dying to self every day, picking up our cross, crucifying our flesh, surrendering our hurts, trusting God’s faithfulness, rolling up our sleeves, and jumping into life with both feet. Legacy involves being excited to serve, ready to work, eager to help, hungry to bless, and longing to be the change we wish to see in our children and our future grandchildren. It requires action, not apathy. Sacrifice, not self-pity, courage, not co-dependence. Godly legacies require faith in the midst of fear, willingness to surrender our weakness, and a heart that longs to see the next genesis set free from any generational bondage.

It’s up to us to pass the baton of faith to the ones coming up behind us.

We must be the valiant ones to stop the cycle. The ones God has called “For such a time as this,” (Esther 4:14) to change the trajectory of the future by how we live our present moments. Will we shrink back in a system that’s familiar, or will we be bold enough to create a legacy of Godly character, forging a path of righteousness, sowing the seeds of a surrendered and faithful life?

Eleven years in, with healing memories from the lessons on that old leather couch, I can tell you with full assurance, the fight has been worth it. The tears have been worth it. The act of sitting in that yellow painted office, week after week, indeed created a legacy of resilience. Not only am I free, but my children are free.

“What the enemy meant to harm me, God has used for good, for His glory, and for the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

 The truth is, resilience is the fruit of perseverance. Trusting Gods timing, plan, promises, and purpose, one faithful step at a time.

And the apostle Paul was right, “Perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:4)

And hope always precedes the miracle.