The building of our legacy never stops because we do it daily, with or without intention, and with or without a plan. Building our legacy is part of our God-given nature and calling.
- Adam and Eve, when placed in the garden, God gave them instruction on their life and legacy. ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion. (Genesis 1:28 ESV)
- Noah, after the flood, God gave him a covenant: “And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” (Genesis 9:1 KJV)
- God speaks to Joshua: Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant (attendant), saying, “Moses My servant is dead; now, therefore, arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all these people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot treads” (Joshua 1:1-3 ESV)
- Jesus tells the disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)
Our life and legacy may not be known by millions like that of these Biblical men, but that does not diminish the value and importance of our life and legacy because it is just as full of God’s design and purpose as them. And just as with them, we walk it out daily, as it becometh us.
Be assured your God-given purpose here on the earth will not change, and He does not change, but change will come to our life. And one of the greatest turning points in our life is when we gain the knowledge and understanding that God has given us a purpose-designed life and the power to execute it under His watchful love and grace. This awareness also reveals how in every legacy, God embeds the responsibility and joy of bringing change to our life and the lives of others for our good and His glory. It is in these times of change; we see bravery.
The change will happen, and the choices we make are ours. God gives us a free choice to make Godly choices, and when we do, many times others see the bravery in your legacy.
The change will come, but bravery is a choice. Many times choosing bravery will be the most natural response to a situation. But there will be those times that choosing bravery will be extremely difficult because God has revealed to you in advance the cost of the choice, yet at the same time, He laces it with the grace to say, “Yes.”
Bravery is defined as something done with a sense of bravado and boldness. Boldness alone is doing it for ourselves, but bravery is when we do it with bravado to bring others along with ourselves into something different, new, or enlarged.
Mentors show bravery in letting others see deeply into their lives to learn, grow, and be inspired to do the same for others.
Warriors demonstrate bravery in fighting battles they may not believe in or understanding, yet they give their all to meet the assignment’s challenge or purpose that they have been sent into.
Mothers act bravely to protect and provide their family whatever is needed regardless of their own strength, weapons, or resources. It is natural for a Mother to do these things, but the world we live in shows us that is not always true. A person may have a strong mothering gift, but really it still requires bravery to live out the choices to let that natural gift be released against anything that rises against their family.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and her position is strong and secure, And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].” (Proverbs 31:25)
Explorers exhibit bravery to seek out and make known what was previously hidden or veiled. Explorers use travel and or science as tools to do brave work to satisfy the internal need to discover new and new findings for our good or enjoyment.
We must be brave of heart and spirit to be effective in our daily walk as we encounter adversity or find new opportunities. Bravery is letting go of past failures and successes and embracing the future with the confidence that “God is with us.”
Growth is necessary for your legacy and to enable you to continue to inspire and bring change to others. Bravery is being us in the midst of daily life and leading others to do the same. Be brave, be you every day.
Bravery is part of the legacy elements used to form and enlarge our life and legacy. Remember Elements impact, the impact causes change, and change makes room for growth and redirection. Different elements impact our legacy; some are unique to our calling or purpose; others are foundational parts woven together in every God-ordained legacy. Let’s remember what legacy is; the Latin root of this word is in “legate,” an ambassador or messenger. Our legacy is a message of what God did through us and is an ambassador for who God is to all.
Until next time, remember, we craft our legacy daily, do it as it becometh you. If you would like to the podcast of this Legacy Element of Bravery, click here.
The other three legacy elements and many other topics are included in the “Legacy Tips” podcast. Because life is crazy and busy, each of them is ten minutes or less.
Remember, that legacy is the life we live, the choices we make, the truths we share, and the love we unconditionally give, knowing no one is perfect, but we can all bear fruit and fruit that will remain.
To listen to the podcasts as they are published, I will be posting for each one. If you are on the email listing, you will get them directly to your inbox.
Click here if you would like these Legacy posts to be sent to your email as they are published.
