September 25, 2014

LEAVING A LEGACY.



This has been a heavy week, my friends. Some very precious people lost a man they loved. He was an oldest son, an only brother, a husband of many years and a first time father of a brand new baby girl. Of course, he was much more than that to many more people, but these are the ones carrying the deepest pain in his absence. They are finding a calming peace in knowing that he is no longer in physical pain and resting safely in the arms of Jesus. Please send a multitude of prayers to them during this difficult time.


As ugly and devastating as death can be, something beautiful and captivating is left in its wake. 


A legacy of love.


Love for Jesus. Love for a stunning wife. Love for a teeny tiny brown eyed baby girl. Love for a brother and best friend. Love and utmost respect for a mother and father. Love for dearest friends. Love for a stranger. Love for the lowly, burdened and forgotten.


As it goes when someone leaves this world for eternity, there has been an outpouring of stories, comments, gratitude and testimonies. They have painted a most breathtaking portrait of the legacy he has left behind. They each speak of a man of integrity who humbly loved and served, consistently pouring out his life for another. A man who faithfully follow God and led others to the Father's heart with grace. Meek and gentle, strong and courageous. A truly loyal and selfless man whose steady character and well-founded faith touched the lives of all who had the honor of knowing him. What I remember most about Brandon is the genuine kindness he showed. A kindness that only comes from a heart after God. 


This is a legacy worth leaving behind. That our lives would be a testimony of God's relentless love, sufficient grace and enduring mercy. That we used this precious time on earth to share the heart of our Father with those around us. That we follow where He leads, that we answer His call. That His will would be done in and through us.


I want to leave that kind of legacy. 


Lord, give me the faith and strength to do so.


-bette






LEGACY by Nicole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me 

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest 
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery 
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best 
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights 

We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl' 
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides 
The temporary trappings of this world


I want to leave a legacy 

How will they remember me? 
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough 
To make a mark on things? 
I want to leave an offering 
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically 
And leave that kind of legacy


I don't have to look too far or too long awhile 

To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy 
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile 
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy


Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred 

Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...










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