Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your HeartSample

Legacy Lives On 

Anthony

Times are still kind of stressful. Just as a rare Dallas blizzard nearly destroyed the ministry offices, Dad caught COVID. Thank God, he was mostly asymptomatic. Mom was fiercely protective of Dad, so I want to help take care of him as best I can. “Keep the ministry going,” she told us. 

We made it through the anniversary of her passing, and all I can really say is it was bittersweet, difficult in ways I can’t even begin to explain. But sweet, too, because we realized what a wonderful legacy she left for us to share. I don’t know why we have to lose something to fully appreciate its significance. But that’s how it seems to work down here.

As we prepared to celebrate our first Christmas without my mom, we tried to re-create everything she did. Mom loved Christmas and did everything in a big way—decorations, lights, and food. I stood in front of our house for a long time, thinking about all the memories we shared, wondering what the future might hold without her. When I walked inside and soaked in the sounds and smells of Christmas, the bustle of my sisters in the kitchen, it felt like Mom was still here.

And then I realized something. Mom is here. She’s here through Priscilla, through Chrystal, through Jonathan, and through me. Here through the grandkids and great-grandchildren as they run around the house she loved so. 

As a kid, you take so much for granted. Then you grow up and realize what a gift you have been given and what a privilege it is to carry those traditions forward. The best thing you can leave behind is a good legacy. In that sense, Mommy will never leave. We will always have a part of her here with us. 

Daddy isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. As long as he has breath, he will serve God’s people and preach the Word. But Jonathan is in place to follow in his footsteps, and when that time comes, he will be ready. I think about my mother’s dedication to excellence, and I want to be faithful and diligent with family and friends, in work, play, and serving God. Legacy inspires legacy. I want to leave a good mark, too.

I think about all the loved ones we have lost over the last few years. The Bible says they will not return to us, but we shall join them. On that day it will be all sweet and no bitter, all peace and joy, no more loss or grief or pain. Because of the hope we have in Christ, we will see Mommy again. That takes away a bit of death’s sting. Until then, we will carry the mantle, and we will carry on. 

God has reminded us that life is so futile and fleeting. We are only passing through. There is a time for everything. To laugh and to cry. To grieve and to dance. A time to be silent and another to speak. Not just for our family, but for all of God’s family. Even when life breaks our hearts, we can still hold on. To faith. To love. To promises. To hope. And to each other. All of us together, trusting God.

Respond

Whose legacy of faith have you received? What did you learn about following Jesus from that person?

Who watches your life and faith during disruptions and difficulties?

How can you intentionally create a legacy of faith to pass on to someone else?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the legacy of faith that I have received from Your faithful ones. I know that my time on earth is fleeting in light of eternity, so I pray that You will use my life to bring others close to You. May my kingdom legacy be that of a faithful servant. When life breaks my heart, may I choose faith, love, and the hope that I have in Your promises. May my example of what it means to trust You bless others for generations to come. Amen.