Let’s face it – I’m old — and I attend far too many funerals and memorial services. I attend out of respect for the families and in memory of the people I knew and cared about. Recently I’ve questioned, “What will be my legacy? What can I do that will make a difference?” The definition of “legacy” is a gift that is handed down, from one person to another. But a lasting legacy is more about sharing what you have learned, not just what you have earned. It is more about giving away values rather than valuables. Legacies are not made in a day, or a week or a year. Everything we do or say are deposited to our legacy, built throughout our lifetime.
Last week the world lost Pope Francis. According to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, “Pope Francis was a beloved pope among the people, with an open heart toward everyone. The guiding thread of his mission was also the conviction that the church is a home for all, a home with its doors always open.” The pope’s death marked the passing of an era as the world considered the significance of his life and legacy.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis was the first pope from the Americas, the first non-European pope, and the first Jesuit pope. He was also the first to take the name “Francis” for himself. A janitor and nightclub bouncer before becoming a Jesuit, Francis was fluent in Italian and Spanish and comfortable speaking French, German, Portuguese, and English. He was also proficient in Latin, biblical Hebrew, and biblical Greek.
Before becoming pope in 2013, Cardinal Bergoglio was known especially for his modesty. He lived in downtown Buenos Aires in a room heated by a small stove, traveled by bus, and cooked his own meals. In 2013, he was named Time’s Person of the Year for his commitment to the poor, personal humility, and engagement with contemporary media.
For all his accomplishments, someone once asked him, “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” His answer: “I am a sinner. That is the most accurate definition. It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner.” This exemplified his humility.
With what I learned about Pope Francis, and the many services I have attended recently, I now see the importance of love and faith in your life in building a lasting legacy. While I have heard the phrase repeated my entire life, “He is building his legacy,” I always assumed it meant worldly treasures – about money, being famous, or a politician, some rich CEO. But in Psalms 61:5, David says, “For you, O God, have heard my vows, and have given a heritage to those who fear your Name,” stating any notion of wealth, prestige or leadership has little to do with someone’s true legacy – one of faith and love. Worldly possessions mean nothing if your life is based on personal gain.
There is a message for each of us here. Your most significant legacy for your family, community, and this world is a heritage of faith. How are you building that legacy today? You will not need a team of financial professionals or estate lawyers. Everything for a legacy of faith and godliness is available to us all.
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com. Visit her at the Second Mile blog at https://debbyefurd.com.
Tagged: grief and loss, humility
