In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought I’d share a reading inspired by my own irrepressible mama from my new devotional, Bless Your Heart, set to release on July 15. Mama graduated to Heaven a few years ago but her legacy lives on in all of us who were blessed to love her.
Creating a Legacy
Copyright 2025 Coty, Bless Your Heart: Daily Devotions to Warm your Heart & Feed Your Soul
“You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourselves, and tell your children and grandchildren as well.”
DEUTERONOMY 4:9, CEV
My mother Adele was a faithful believer in Jesus ever since her growing-up years in the red clay of post-Depression rural Georgia. A large part of her legacy was spreading Jesus-joy. Mama loved to make people smile, and that’s what she’s remembered most for. She lifted the heavy loads of everyone she encountered and sent their spirits soaring on the wings of laughter.
We smile when we remember her smile, Mama’s unique heart-lifting inheritance for us.
Today’s verse makes us think about our own legacies. What will people remember about us, my friend? Will they recall a woman of effervescent beauty, regardless of her often-ragtag appearance? Or will ranting, raving, and roaring be what they recall most? Will it be a preoccupied, frenetic gal always rushing around checking off a never-ending to-do list? A frustrated soul who missed out on living joyfully because she chose to arm wrestle life instead?
Or will they recall our stalwart belief in the power of prayer, of trusting Papa God’s unconditional love, of our doggedly tenacious faith? Will it be memories of time well spent, special moments cherished, laughter shared? Christian evangelist Billy Graham said, “The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but
in the quality of our lives.”[1] So true. No one will ever remember what your favorite bud vase was, but they’ll always treasure your resonating qualities of love and faith. Once we’re physically gone from this earth, how incredible it is to know that our spiritual endowment will keep paying off. Not just during this generation but for generations to come. We can use that heirloom to influence others toward or repel them from eternity with our Lord in heaven. We can choose to create the legacy of a beautiful, joyful, vibrant woman, alive in every sense of the word.
Or not. The choice is ours.
Prayer: Everlasting Light, make my heritage like a bright light of faith, shining for generations to come. Help me share Jesus-joy with all I encounter to carry on Your legacy of love. Amen.
[1] Billy Graham, Hope for the Troubled Heart (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991).
So, dearest BFF (Blessed Friend Forever), what is the legacy you choose to leave behind for your children and their children? I’d love to hear your response in the comment section below. And I wish you a very blessed Mother’s Day!
What a blessing I received when I saw your email today. Your mom’s big smile jumped off the screen and into my heart. My first memory of your mother, and your family, was when I was a young child in church. She was my teacher in 8th and 11th grades, and then I was fortunate to actually work with her when we both taught at the middle school. We ate lunch together every day, along with others on our team. The years following her retirement, I saw your parents diligently picking up trash thrown out along SR 16, and we frequently visited together at events and in the grocery store! She was indeed a blessing and has certainly embedded herself in my heart and memories. ?? Her photo should be next to the definition of “legacy” in Wikipedia! (Oh, my! I didn’t answer your question! I would feel very proud if I touched some of my students just a tiny bit of the way your mother touched me.)
Awww, Bobbie Sue, you were always one of Mama’s favorites! I think back on all those years she and Daddy, with their servant’s hearts, stooped to pick up other people’s nasty trash along that busy roadway and I hate it that I never appreciated that selfless act of kindness enough. I remember even laughing about it once when the Telegraph wrote an article about it. I couldn’t seem to appreciate the bigness of their sacrificial act of kindness to their community and for their friends. Now, in hindsight and with a bit more wisdom born of age, I do. I wish I could tell them so. Kindness and compassion was a big part of their legacy. And I have no doubt, your students would say the same about the legacy you’re leaving for them. Pausing to say a prayer for you, my friend. Blessings on Mother’s Day!
Sweet Debora, your devotional really touched my heart, thank you, and I look forward to getting your new devotional in July!
This devotional made me think of my mama also, she’s in heaven with your mama, and I know they are worshiping together at the throne of Jesus.
Thanks so much, Theresa – I deeply appreciate your note. It’s comforting to know that our mama’s are, as you say, “worshipping together at the throne of Jesus.” Bless you, my sister.
Deb, I have such fond memories of your sweet mom! I love the legacy of so many women that God placed in my life including my own mother, grandmother, aunts and precious friends who have entered into Heaven’s Gates. My prayer is that those behind me will remember me as a “Beloved daughter of the King” who loved her Heavenly Father beyond all measure.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you, Sandi. I remember your mom with fondness too – funny how I can picture her as if I just saw her yesterday. It’s precious to know they’re waiting to greet us with an old familiar hug when we enter those gates ourselves one day. Makes heaven that much more wonderful. Wishing you a blessed Mother’s Day, my friend.