Remembering to Remember

Yesterday was Memorial Day and I couldn’t help but notice all the photos of tombstones on FB that represent fallen soldiers. I also saw many FB posts and photos that were honoring loved ones who served in the armed services, as well as to those loved ones who were so dearly loved and remembered on this day.

Remembering the past is vital to living in the present. It causes us to remember those who died in defense of our nation and express the most profound gratitude we can by how we live our lives.

Besides those who served our country, we should never forget those steadfast, strong, immoveable and unshakeable people who built that same tenacious spirit in us. One of the greatest ways we can carry on and repay our loved ones for all they did in leaving a legacy to us, is to leave a legacy for those who follow us by living lives of character, strength, honor, faith, and love for our fellow man.

My sweet little mama had so little in terms of earthly goods to leave me, but what she did leave me was a legacy that continues to speak volumes in how I live my life today. She lives on in me because she left me with the stuff that mattered.

The question is “What will we be remembered for? What will we leave our heirs and those who know us? More than the tangible inheritances we will leave, our character (good or bad) is creating a legacy that will continue to speak after our life on this earth has ended. “Unquestionable character” is one of the greatest gifts we can leave our heirs….and that comes as we embrace the character of our Father God. Character begins with our example – our life. I know I want to leave a legacy that says “Donna was most known for keeping God at the center of her life – it showed on the outside….. and behind closed doors.”

Charles Spurgeon said, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts – not on marble.”