Passing on a Legacy of Hope
A contemporary Christian song I like a lot contains these lyrics, “I don’t want to leave a legacy … only Jesus.” While I very much appreciate the devotion behind those words, each time I hear it, I think the reality is that each of us will leave a legacy of some sort. Please join me today for a prayer that reflects the legacy I hope to leave. NOTE: Photos in today’s post are from a recent family trip to New York City.
This reminder of HOPE is located on a street corner in Times Square. As I looked more closely at Ron’s photo of the street art, I realized HOPE was looking a little bedraggled and thought, “Isn’t that just the way my sense of hope feels sometimes.”
I have two adult daughters. Both are devoted wives and mothers, hard workers, admirable women, and valuable citizens. I feel so blessed to be Angie’s and Sarah’s mom.
Occasionally, one of my daughters will begin telling me a story prefaced with, “Mom, I sounded just like you!” When I hear those words, I have a momentary sense of dread because I know I haven’t always sounded like the woman I wish to be. Generally, however, the story they tell reflects my more admirable behavior. This I see as grace in action!
I call the following prayer, a Legacy of Hope Prayer. It comes from the 8/4/2025 Lectio 365 Morning Devotional. (Note: Lexio 365 is a wonderful, free online devotional that originates from 24-7 Prayer in England. Thus, the different spelling of the word “behavior.”)
“Loving God,
Where previous generations did right, help me carry that good behaviour forward. Where wrong actions or ideas have done me harm, set me free and bring your healing. Help me to forgive those who have caused me hurt and to break any cycles of negative behaviour, so I can pass on a good legacy to those who come after me.”
Amen
My hope and prayer for our family are that we will carry on a legacy of admirable family behaviors and access the help we need to forgive and break harmful cycles of negative behaviors so that each succeeding generation becomes stronger, more loving, and will pass on legacies of HOPE that bring glory and honor to “only Jesus.”
The Statue of Liberty is often called the “Beacon of Hope.” For immigrants coming to the United States, it symbolized the promise of a legacy of freedom, opportunity, and a better future for children and grandchildren.
Blessings on your legacy journeys,
