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Leaving a Legacy

5/23/2022

7 Comments

 
Perhaps it’s getting older that has hit me with the concept of leaving a legacy and asking myself what kind of legacy will I leave behind? I have no children of my own; my side of the family all live on the East Coast, so I’m not surrounded by family; I’m not overflowing with money; do I stand a chance of leaving a legacy?

At least eight pews were filled to overflowing at Betty 
Picture
Emily Rogers
Cheeley’s celebration of life. Betty and Herb (or AKA “Larry” to Minnesotans) created a legacy through their four children’s lives, which grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty influenced the lives of her students, too. Several former first-grade students said that Betty’s guidance helped shape the rest of their lives—quite a legacy, since when she passed at age 91, those former students would have been elderly themselves! It was said that her calendar was full of obligations, visits, volunteer work. Surely, she impacted each of their lives, also. But, how?

Vickie Johnson’s memorial had the similar eight pews full to overflowing of the legacy she and Ray created just within their own family. The remaining pews were filled with former employees, co-workers, friends, acquaintances, admirers. The legacy of a life well-lived were evident. But, what was that legacy?

I’ve heard the phrase (and perhaps used it myself a time or two), “There’s no instruction manual for how to live a life.” However, I think that’s incorrect; there is an excellent one: the Bible. So, what did Betty, Vickie, Bill Hjort, Larry Strobel, and others have in common that created such a rich legacy? I believe it wasn’t how many children they created, it’s that they demonstrated a life lived in the fruit of the Spirit that affected those children and people they encountered.

In the Bible, Paul was frustrated that the Galatians had lost their vision of salvation by faith in Jesus alone and that they had added the need for human effort in order to receive salvation. Paul redirected them to remember that the Holy Spirit lives inside each believer. As we give the Spirit more control in our lives, He shapes us and grows us into His likeness. Then, as the fruit of the Spirit grows within us, our character becomes more like Christ’s.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
​
Betty was described as “being a Christian.” She was loving, joyful, calm, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. She modeled a life where people could see Christ through her. Pastor Neal Nybo has repeatedly preached that when we act in a way where people can see Christ in us, they will want to come be a part of us. That is probably why people were so drawn to Betty, Vickie, Bill, Larry, and others like them. While living their lives, one could see that Christ lived within them.

If the only legacy that we leave behind is that people are drawn to want to live a life modeled after Christ, could we leave behind a better legacy than that?
​
Your friend in Christ (who is trying to live that life),
Emily
7 Comments
Wendy Taylor Sanders
5/24/2022 05:27:02 pm

Thank you Emily, 💑

Reply
Sara
5/24/2022 05:46:32 pm

Beautifully done Emily!

Reply
Bev Turner
5/24/2022 08:06:30 pm

So beautiful, Emily. I hope to leave that kind of legacy!

Reply
Sam Hunter
5/24/2022 10:04:13 pm

So well said Emily!

Reply
Carolyn Keefer
5/25/2022 06:11:01 am

Beautiful words from a beautiful friend! Thank you, Emily!

Reply
Linda
5/25/2022 07:59:12 am

Amen to all of that and you will have an awesome legacy..

Reply
Sharon M Strobel
5/26/2022 12:46:44 pm

Your smile, kindness, helpfulness and hugs are only part of your legacy. You are one special lady!

Reply



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  • Home
    • Connect With Us >
      • Prayer Request
      • eNews Archive >
        • 2020 eNews Archive
  • Who We Are
    • Our Mission
    • Leadership & Staff >
      • Job Opportunities
      • Blogs >
        • Blog Archive 2021
        • Blog Archive 2020
    • Elders, Deacons & Ministry Teams >
      • Christmas Families
      • Annual Clothing Givewaway
    • History >
      • Past Ministers
    • What Presbyterians Believe
    • Annual Reports
  • Ministries
    • Children & Families
    • Youth
    • Missions
    • Serve >
      • Choir
      • Church Ministry Teams
      • Ecumenical Kitchen
      • Family Promise
      • Handbell Choir
      • Knitting for Warmth
      • Praise Team
      • Reception Team
    • Grow >
      • Book Studies
      • Men's Fellowship
      • Presbyterian Women
      • Sunday Bible Study
      • Women's Circles
    • Connect >
      • Dinners at 6-ish
      • Flying Solo
  • Sundays
    • Classic Worship
    • Contemplative Worship
    • Sermons
  • Giving