I believe that if all we care about is how to serve ourselves, then our living is in vain. I also believe that the legacy we build will influence whether we leave hardship or inspirational memories behind.
Having attended many funerals, I am saddened by the times that I experienced when the departed had apparently left nothing that would cause others to honor their memories. One can only imagine the painful void of existence that develops with the loss of a loved one whose memory lacks positive thoughts.
Still, there are those who have turned painful memories into wonderful causes. Many popular human service efforts have been birthed through tragic losses such as America's Most Wanted and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). At the same time, there are other efforts that are less popular, although just as vital.
I was fortunate to have a mother who taught us the importance of building and leaving a legacy of loving and serving others. My mother and her siblings knew the trauma of being uprooted from their family after a devastating fire that resulted in great loss and hardship. They knew the importance of having a caring community of family to help rebuild their lives after such a tragedy. Perhaps this was the major factor in how they worked together to establish a family of love, faith and family unity that included reaching and helping others outside of the family. I
even realize the impact that this legacy has made on our children who also care about loving and helping others.
I am very appreciative of how we, as a family continue to receive correspondence from those who now have good jobs, stable families or are pursuing educational goals as a result of our serving them. Some are simply happy to let us know that they are still alive, considering where their lifestyles were leading them. But most of all, each of them continues to give glory to God for changing their lives in tangible ways. This is what I consider to be a Faith Legacy.
The Faith Legacies project is developed to help people succeed in building a legacy of good works that will last beyond their lifetime. Although it is not a requirement for salvation, the Scriptures teach that we will be judged by our works. Revelation 20:13 This is not to be confused with Salvation which is not obtained through works. This is also not to be confused with "The Work" that Jesus mentions which is believing in Him. John 6:29 But Jesus explained, when questioned about who He was, saying, to "believe the works" that he did. John 14:11 And when asked about if He was the Christ, gave a list of His works as evidence of who He was. Luke 7:22
I also believe (and have witnessed) that special privileges are granted to those who labor to build and maintain good works on behalf of our Lord. Human Services Outreach may be the fishes and loaves for reaching the masses of today. (Titus 3:8) Faith Legacies is developed to help believers in establishing and structuring legacies of good works through Human Services Outreach. Evangelizing through Human Services Outreach is not an easy endeavor, but is one that reaps rewards even beyond our natural existence. (Galatians 6:9) I pray that all believers are encouraged to establish legacies of love, hope and faith through working to meet tangible needs for others.
