"Leave a Great Legacy"

Dr. Dorothy J. Haire

You are making a greater impact on others than you think. Your words and deeds make a difference. You are leaving a legacy whether you want to or not. Your words and deeds may be intentional and meant to impact others. Or they may be said or done unconsciously, nonchalantly, or routinely. But they still make a difference for someone.

How do I know?

Because a legacy may be of one’s faith, ethics, and core values. It may be monetary, or your assets. One’s legacy may come from one’s character, reputation and the life led. Your legacy sets an example for others and guides their future

(paraphrased from legacylawadvisors.com).

For example, elementary school teacher, Mrs. Taylor, always said to misbehaving students, “You better sit down and act right. I know your people.” She may have used that threat to discipline, but she actually taught her students that family is important and what they do affects them. Adults and parents now, her students jokingly imitate Mrs. Taylor at every class reunion. Them being good parents is her legacy. 

Remember the bullies in school who grew up to be absentee fathers and poor excuses for husbands? They took James Brown’s son “This is a Man’s World” too far. They were not trying to leave a negative legacy, but they did. They made you realize that living in the anatomically male body does not entitle one to abuse others. That is why you financially support The Father Center to help men learn to be good human beings.

Following are just a few people whose actions long ago left a lasting legacy for generations to come:

• Elijah McCoy, In 1872, patented the double-action revolver. 
• Dr. Alexa Irene Canady, in 1981, became the first African American woman neurosurgeon in the United States.
• Gordon Parks, in 1969, became the first Black man to produce and direct a major motion picture. 
• Garrett Morgan -  invented the three-light traffic signal
• Alexander Miles: In 1887, Alexander Miles patented a mechanism that made automatic elevator doors.

What type of legacy are you leaving? Your words and actions do not have to be as groundbreaking as Garrett Morgan inventing the three-light traffic signal or as wide-reaching as Amanda Gorman reading her original poem at a presidential inauguration. Last month I suggested that maybe Colossians 3:17 could be your New Year’s resolution. This month I am suggesting that you consider it for your life-long legacy.

Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17, Amplified Bible).

Let those who come after you remember you as a person who tried to please God in heaven. If you do it consistently, you will impact more people here on earth than you will ever know. Glorify God with your life and you will leave a great legacy.

Dr. Dorothy J. Haire

Pastor Emeritus, Speaker, Teacher, Writer

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