Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Legacy

Yesterday, a Proverbs 31 woman was laid to rest and I attended her funeral. Her name is Norma, and she is not a close family member in the sense of relativity or genealogy. But she is close in my heart as well as my husband's. Her family is close knit, and they have been devastated by her loss, even if they are elated that she is with the Father and her husband now.

In the service her son delivered a moving eulogy. The things he said of her were so very honorable. So very loving and warm, as well as funny. We were all moved to tears at his words.

 Proverbs 31: 28 was read and in our online Bible study we have been in Proverbs, so that was a particular blessing to me.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her."
The pastor pointed out what a blessing she was to her family and to the church.

Verse 20: "...Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy" He spoke of the work she'd done in her church, and how active she was for years and years, still attending Sunday School as often as health would permit. In past years she carried countless children to VBS, and worked with the Red Cross in relief efforts.

 When asked what her greatest accomplishment was, she would always answer, "Having and raising my three children who I love." 
On the way home, and afterward, I thought about what was said about this woman. I pondered on how loved she was and what kind of legacy she left.

 Will that be the kind of legacy I leave?  Will my children rise up and call me blessed? Have I done the kind of job raising them and loving them that would leave them with words and feelings such as these? Do I have such a countenance that my daughter would gladly spend years taking care of me and being my companion? Or am I so self centered, and shallow that spending time with me would be a burden? Will my church family care enough about me to fill the church to overflowing at my passing? Or am I just taking up space in a pew?

When I leave this world, I hope and pray two of the many many good things spoken about Norma, are said about me by my children and by church members and friends. She was an active and devoted child of God, and she was loved greatly by her family.  If this is a selfish wish, I will admit guilt. 

I had a dream once, where God asked me the one thing I wanted of Him. I answered, "To be remembered as kind." He told me He would grant that request, but it would cause me regret. I'm not sure what he meant, but I think it was that being kind would leave me unable to defend myself at times.  If that is the case, I bear that burden gladly. Leaving a legacy of kindness is a good thing I think.

7 comments:

nono said...

Belinda, I can feel your kindness, and servants heart in all of your blog post. I don't think it is selfish to wish to be loved greatly by your family or a devoted child of God. Both of those things are important and I think you are already there! xo

FrouFrouBritches said...

Sweet post, Belinda! You truly are one of the kindest people I know.

LeLe said...

You are very kind and are a wonderful mother and grandma (I think you're a better grandma than you are a mom, I hope that's not an insult). You always gave and gave and gave to us and then when you didn't have anything left, you gave some more. I'll never forget the things that you did without so that we could have.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I lovely post and not one of selfishness. Your kindness shows in your posts and what I have shared with you thru blogging. It, also, shows between daughter/mother and grandson/grandmother. I would not fear that you have not left a legacy. Blessings.

Miss Hillbilly said...

This was a wonderful post BeLinda. I haven't thought about the legacy I would leave in quite some time.

I think being kind, even if it means not being able to defend yourself is a great thing!!

Blessings All Mine said...

Belindy----the legacy you will leave is amazing. It's one of selflessness and pure love. I remember one summer you babysat me while mom worked. You were so diligent to keep us structured in routines and healthy practices (eating, activities). I also remember having to go to the store. And, you didn't know it but I watched you count your money before we went in. And as you counted it you whispered to yourself as you seperated it out, "this is for water, for tithes, for....." And, I've always remembered that! You took out what was God's before what was yours. That's the legacy you will leave. Many times during my tumultous relationship with my own mother, I had wished she was more like you. I love you!

Belinda said...

Chelle,
Thank you for that memory. I've forgotten so many things like that. I love you too am humbled by your words.