My Legacy

Imagine that you are giving instructions that are to be shared at your own memorial service for some type of regular observance for people to engage in to remember you after your death. That's a mouthful, but it was a discussion question posed in my recent Sunday school lesson.

Some in the class said they had not thought of their memorial service. Perhaps it's due to the fact I was pretty sure mine would happen sooner than later that I often have thought of mine. We all want to be remembered don't we? I do! I'm also glad God had longer plans for my life than I did!

Why were we talking of instructions for a memorial service? Because the Lord talked about remembering Him when He discussed the Lord's Supper. See Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:14-20.

The purpose of the Lord's supper is just that, to remember the Lord and what He did for us. I have to admit, it is hard to imagine all He endured just for me and for you. I am, however, so thankful He did. That in and of itself is enough...but He did more.

You see, I began dialysis when I was 8 years old. I don't remember a normal, if there ever was one. One day though, He will make me whole! That is my hope. That is His promise. I will get a brand-spanking new body. You may take yours for granted, but I've never had one that worked properly. I don't know what my "new" body will be like, but with Him I know it will be awesome!

My main message could be summed up in one word: HOPE. It is my word, my promise from the Lord, and my life verse. In fact, if you know me and you do not know my life verse I have failed you. It's Jeremiah 29:11. I know it by heart, I claim it in prayer and He has given it to me time and time again throughout my life.

The verse:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

I want people to know I belonged to HIM - my Lord and Savior! I want them to know that through it all, He was and is my hope.

My hope is in the Lord. He came and lived a perfect life on this earth for me. He endured the torture of the cross and the devastating separation from His Father for me. He knew his purpose and He still came, for me.

So my memorial would have to have Jeremiah 29:11 front and center. References to hope should abound. Giving people the opportunity to know my Savior by preaching the word is of highest importance. Reminding my loved ones and friends they WILL see me again should happen as well.

I'd want you to be thankful that He gave me the years He did give me. I'd be touched if you remembered that through my life adversity, I smiled because He gave me something to smile about (even on the painful days) because He is my joy. You could go on a mission trip in my honor. And last but not least play the following song...