That Kind Of Legacy

Although I didn’t lay it out last Monday, in keeping with my new themed days, Monday will be the day I talk about spiritual things, events, thought, devotionals, experiences, you name it. (To recap: Tuesday-Physical, Wednesday-Professional (Book Tour), Thursday-Service, Friday-Social)

One of my favorite songs is Legacy by Nichole Nordeman. The lyrics of the chorus are:

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

So the past few months, I have been seeing this legacy in action at some of the biggest named events: the Super Bowl, Grammys and Oscars.

When Tony Dungy, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl this year, becoming the first African American coach to ever win a Super Bowl, he first pointed to Jesus Christ, giving him all the glory.

Mary J Blige, R&B/Hip-Hop artist, who has lived a hard life that included drug abuse and physical abuse, turned her life around. And on a night of great celebration and accomplishment, winning three Grammy awards, Mary J pointed towards God and Jesus, before her 53 other acknowledgements.

Jennifer Hudson, American Idol reject (I still remember being furious when she was voted off…she, Fantasia, and Latoya London were in the bottom three, and I knew it was going to be a lose-lose-lose situation.) and now Dreamgirls star won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and said, “Look what God can do.”

Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?

Each of these three people pointed to God enough to make a mark on things…I mean not only did millions hear it live, but it was in the press for weeks to come and can be googled readily even today.

Their actions, Nicole’ song are all reminders to me to thank God each day in the big and little events in my life. It doesn’t matter whether I am touching billions like Tony, Mary J, and Jennifer, all that matters is that I point to God and give him the thanks for everything. I want to leave that kind of legacy.

- RXW

Listen to Legacy

Legacy
By Nichole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
the temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done" good and faithful one

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me