Legacy of the Past – A 2MefromHim Devotional

A legacy of the past, something those who follow after us will either benefit or suffer from. A recent trip to research some family history made me think about what contributions I am making to those who follow me. The choice of what legacy we leave behind is in many ways a result of the choices we make during our lives. 

2MefromHim Devotionals

Legacy of the Past

One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4 ESV

Legacy of the past, Webster calls it something we gain from a predecessor. I glanced from the ancient monument marking my 6^th great grandfather’s grave across the bustling boulevard to the imposing red brick edifice, white spire rising into the blue sky. Feelings of awe spiraled through my mind that contributions of a single individual could have such an impact 205 years after his death.

Block letters on one side of the towering marble monument read, “Donor: Land to Mud Creek Baptist Church.” Family and historical documentation tell the story of a very human individual with lofty, perhaps somewhat crafty business aspirations. Abraham Kuykendall once owned 2,000 acres of land now known as Flat Rock, North Carolina. A captain of the patriot militia, head of the safety commission, surveyor, and justice of the peace, he was also the proprietor of an inn, tavern, and mill. He only accepted payment in silver and gold coin, which he led blindfolded slaves to bury in the woods so his young wife couldn’t spend his wealth on jewelry. He died trying to retrieve some of his gold when he slipped and fell face down in a stream at the age of 94.

I know nothing of his personal faith. He was a slave owner and that was wrong. Yet he donated land for a church near his home. Both the church and the Daughters of the American Revolution honor his memory. Six generations have benefited from his legacy.

How often do we feel our lives have no meaning, that we leave no lasting legacy? I doubt old Abraham thought an eight-foot high monument would stand in his memory, much less a church of over 4000 members. Imagine the thousands of lives touched in the 214 years since the construction of that first little wooden church building.

The words I speak, what I do with the resources and talents God has given me, how I interact with others has impact far beyond anything I can comprehend—legacy.

God gave me no moment, no ability, no word in my vocabulary to waste. God intends my life to be used for His purposes and His glory. What legacy will you choose to leave?

© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, June 1, 2017

About the author:

Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.

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Website: www.normagail.org

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Book Links:

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