By: Debbie Kane
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
What does a legacy of faith look like? For me, biblical legacy is teaching and living out a life of faith, love, and obedience to God.
I was raised in a family where the legacy of faith was a part of life. I have been a believer for 50 of my 55 years. I remember going to the Good News Club where I heard the “Good News” that Jesus had died for me, and becoming a believer at age 5. I don’t remember a time when God and my salvation wasn’t a part of me.
I had grandparents who were believers, parents who were believers, and aunts, uncles, and cousins who were believers. When surrounded by believers growing up, the assumption was that everyone outside of your family was also a believer. I remember my grandmother talking about Christ’s return, and as a kid hoping He would wait until I got married and had kids. I am now at the age where I have kids and grandkids, and legacy is something that is pressing on my mind and heart more than ever before. There is a sense of urgency to share my faith with others.
My parents are in their 80s and not in great health. My heart is heavy knowing my earthly time with them is short. I find myself keenly aware of the fact that their bodies are tired and they are ready to meet God face to face. These thoughts are truly bittersweet. I can’t imagine my life without them, but also know that everyday living is a struggle due to their ailing minds and bodies. It seems like yesterday that I was going to church as a begrudging teen, not realizing how important time spent in church would affect the trajectory of my life as well as the generations to come. I always knew it was important, and knew that when I had kids I would make sure they grew up in church, too. I didn’t want them to experience a life without knowing the Lord. My kids are in their 20s and are in a season of “working out their testimonies.” I am trusting in the Lord and His promises—that they will return to the faith they were raised in.
A couple of years ago, my husband and I found out that he had a 40-year-old son. We have been slowly navigating this very strange and unexpected twist to our story. We have become keenly aware of legacy as we became instant grandparents to the sweetest 10-, 8-, and 3-year-old grandchildren. What is so amazing about legacy is the opportunities that God is continually putting in front of us to work out our testimonies and share our faith.
Legacy of faith doesn’t only apply to family; it applies to all who God puts in our path. Are you watching for who that may be?
Our grandchildren had never been to church prior to our meeting. My husband and I gave the girls their first Bibles—pink, of course. We shared with them the “Good News.” It is so simple, and yet we want to make it more complicated. We sent the two older grandchildren to Zone Summer this year. When I came a bit early to pick them up, I decided I would look in on them. I found both girls and was overwhelmed with tears because at that moment, they were up at the altar praying to accept Jesus!
Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to be used to help create a legacy of faith.