Legacies of our lives

Tue, Jan 22, 2013

Editor: Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you – Shannon L Alder{{more}}

He was born… he lived… and he died. Those aren’t the words one would expect to hear in a eulogy let alone, their epitaph. Unaccompanied by extra details, these phrases are quite meaningless if they were used to address someone’s life. To weave a garment of fancy words and innocent expressions would only create an atmosphere of mockery to both the deceased and family in the eyes of onlookers if such praise was not well deserved.

Death knows no hour, age, race, class or religion, has no respect for position or wealth and offers no excuses or apologies for its visits. How then can one lead a life, that if he dies tomorrow, his brethren can pay faithful respect to him, try to live as he had and shed light on his character without the arch of a brow or frowning?

To answer this question, one must first ask himself, “What name would I like to leave for myself if I died tomorrow; would I leave a legacy?” Regardless of a person’s age or social class, he is liable to creating an impact on the minds of others. This can be positive, negative or both. In God’s eyes, all our righteousness are like “filthy rags”. Yet in the eyes of man, trying to uphold values laudable of virtue and goodness may soften their hearts towards such a person and influence their lives for the better.

Throughout one’s development, people of different character, life and stories will impact him one way or another. These are the individuals to be acknowledged and appreciated whatever their role; as they would have aided his growth. Consequently, isn’t it fair to hold him responsible of also creating a legacy for others to follow?

To leave a legacy of love and respect, one must love and be respectful. He should be selfless and value the lives of those around him more than his own. This is rather a hard task, considering that some are unaware of how to love and value themselves first and others may think too much of themselves. He should display acts of kindness and faithfulness to his fellow men. Even if he may not be present in flesh, he would be remembered by his good deeds. Humanitarianism is an act that not only helps others, but it allows one to appreciate that whatever little he has, there is another person with less. It sends one on his knees in praise.

Determination, patience and gratitude; it takes practice before these three meet perfection. Relating to others the challenging experiences faced to reach success can motivate their intuition. To conquer and “survive” would suggest the individual has a close relationship with God, or models a lifestyle that coincides with what He expects of them. To educate others of his grace and live accordingly to his will is another important part of leaving a legacy to others… Can you easily identify someone in society with these graces?

Speak words of wisdom and kindness; and savour good advice – it’s priceless. Do not boast or be prideful. Live, act and think responsibly. Always keep a smile on your face – it may whiten those hidden teeth. Never let situations or others get you down.

Ask yourself – what if I died tomorrow; would today be too late to save myself; and did I do enough yesterday to justify my deeds? What is the legacy that you would want to leave for your family, friends and others?

Elizabeth Bullock