“You act more like a Christian by your influence on the lost,
then the saved people you impress”
~ Dr. Alvin Reid ~
The below post is an older one, but it speaks my heart on this topic. I pray it blesses you.
The first time I heard the song below, it touched me. For so many years I found myself wrapped up in playing church, filling a position, not being real. Its amazing how easy it is to fill the footsteps of this song when your heart is open and your soul is transparent.
My father became a pastor when I was in the second grade. Our life before that time was very different then it is now. My father was very much into drugs. I dont remember alot before second grade, but the things i do remember stuck with me. The main thing that has traveled with me all these years is how my father changed, completely changed. How our life changed.
I often wonder what life would be like had he not gone to church that day, had my mother not bribed him with Dallas Cowboys football that afternoon- What would my family be like now. After decades in the ministry, I still wonder.
I am so blessed, because life could have been so different. I want to pass on that blessing to everyone that I come into contact with now. There was a dry spell (the last year) where I almost gave up. But I finally realized that what I needed to give up was the “Act”. I needed to curl up in His lap and let it go. So many things have happend in the last year with our family, our daughter, me personally- so many things that I held onto myself, because I was ashamed- I was angry- but once I handed that over - life changed.
Dealing with a chronicly ill child has been my biggest testimony. There are moments when I feel as if He gave her to us in order to minister down the road. My heart aches for those moms in the ICU who feel so alone- those families who hear that their child either wont come home, or wont be home for very long. I remember when Emma was in palliative care (hospice) I remember thinking “How the heck am I going to do this”. I remember the desperation I felt and the heartache that took over me. But then a dear friend of mine said “Heather, even in this moment, you have hope.” So many families have no hope. So many moms have nothing to cling to when their children are chronicly ill. So many families don’t survive a crisis such as this. So many do not realize they can crawl into His lap.
To tie this all together. I want to leave a legacy. Not a “Heather was so strong, she went through so much” legacy. I want to leave a legacy that will effect people eternally, not just during our struggle. I want to reach out to people who are in the deepest darkest depths of despair and wrap my arms and my heart around them and tell them that there is hope. There is an eternal tomorrow.
I know that I have fallen short of doing this. I know that there are circumstances in the last year that I could have handled differently and with more love and grace, but I also know that I have a forgiving Father who gently points that out to me and lovingly molds me into the child He created me to be.
I don’t want to be one of those Christians who pretends to have it all together. I don’t have it all together. My loose ends are blowing in the wind. What I do have is Grace. And for that I am eternally gratefully.
I want to leave a legacy that reflects His heart- not my pride.
To participate in or read more of CWO’s “In Other Words” please visit Laurel Wreath
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Hey Heather,
by PauletteYhis is a beautiful post. I love the song legacy as well. It ispires us as christians to leave a legacy. I can see you starting a group in your area of support for families who have similar struggles. It would be awesome for you to have the support. It is so evident in your writings that you want Christ to have the Glory.He sure has given you a gift of eloquent writing, that is such a gift. This blog you have is such a testiment to your journy and your deep honor for the Lord. I love comming here.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love love love NN. I’m going to be able to write like her in heaven. :-)
Love this song, especially “Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things, I want to leave an offering / A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically / And leave that kind of legacy.”
Humbling lyrics, aren’t they?
by boomamaThere’s no doubt you will leave a legacy that will honor Him. Stay strong…
(((hugs)))
by PaulaHeather,
by RebekahYou are leaving a legacy right now. Your beauty and love for God shines through in your writing. Thank you for being transparent and real!
You have a powerful ministry to those with ill children. Bless you for sharing so vulnerably.
by e-MomI didn’t know that about your dad. What a miracle for your family!
I am so glad you gave up the act. And there is no doubt you are leaving a beautiful legacy…
I am just running out the door (literally) for camp, but I wanted to drop by. Check out my blog Sunday if you want - I will have an interview with another blogger up. She is great - hope you like it :)
See you in a week and thanks for dropping by! :)
by JaniceI blogged about something very similar to this a couple of days ago. I am right there with you in the INTENTIONAL decision to make my mark in a lasting, eternal way…not just a wordly way! (By the way, I think you are doing it! Keep it up!!!)
by JenniferI am unfamiliar with this song. Who is it by?
by MichelleHeather, your legacy has already started–I check your writings every day because you are further down the road I have just started to travel, and because your authenticity and bare soul are an encouragement to me. Press on; your reward will be great. :)
by Sarah HartfieldThat was beautiful! What a wonderful way to minister without even knowing it….through your blog. I think that sometimes we just become so overwhelmed with doing things in the church. My dad was a minister too, and I remember that every church wanted my Mom to be on this committee, do this or do that. She did the best that she could without any hesitation, but I know that sometimes it was overwhelming. It wasn’t an “act”, but it just came with my Dad’s job. I loved my childhood as a PK, but I can tell you that since I have moved on to a church of my own, I don’t feel the stress that I did. And, since Dad retired, they get to go to church and just “be there with God and his family” Okay…I’m rambling…sorry!
Just let God lead you!
by KelliTake care!
“I want to reach out to people who are in the deepest darkest depths of despair and wrap my arms and my heart around them and tell them that there is hope. There is an eternal tomorrow. ” Heather this is beautiful, this is my prayer also. That is why in my “About” page I say my passion is just to tell you Jesus loves you. For if you have that you have everything. And if some of my trials and tribulations, brings someone into the eternity of Christ, so be it (I am yours Lord). Thank you so much for participating!
by Laurel Wreathbut once I handed that over - life changed.
that is so true! What a great post!
by amydeanneAmy
What a powerful post! Thank you for sharing and being an inspiration.
Blessings~
by In His HandsWhat a wonderful post! God has done many amazing things in you! I appreciate your transparency so much.
by taya“I want to leave a legacy that reflects His heart- not my pride.”
I loved this. This too is my hearts desire!
Bless you!
Amen. (BTW–Awesome praise, talked to the doctors office, the nurse wasn’t thrilled but said she wold pass on that we wanted to leave her off meds. AND Rachel’s skin is healing at an amazing rate, even the doctor was amazed. This morning her eyes were nearly back to normal and her lips are beginning to show through again. What an awesome God!!!)
by Heather-H
I agree - we sometimes have to let go of our own pride in order to be His hands and feet and share with others why we have the hope we have - hope in Him and life everlasting.
Praying for you and your family for strenght during this trying time.
Blessings to you and yours…
by eph2810Yeah - I’m with you. I can’t imagine having walked where I’ve walked without the hope I have in Christ. I’m not particularly fond of God’s method for healing Danny, and I still find myself angry at odd moments because Mito isn’t fair, but through it all, I know that God really does do what is best for everyone in every situation - sometimes it just stinks. :) I miss my boy, but I KNOW my God - and He has different plans than I did, and His will be better than mine were.
by ThoughtfulMomWonderful post Sis!!
1 More Day! ;)
by CatThat was a beautiful post. Thank you for being so honest and open.
Blessing to your family,
by julieJulie
Your heart is shining brightly for Jesus, thank you.
by DeniseWhat a beautiful testimony! I will have to come back later and read more. :0) Thank you so much for sharing and shining your light for Jesus on the Net. Blessings!
by SharonAwesome! I think you’re doing a wonderful job of reflecting His Grace. I am constantly amazed at how you find the time to do the webdesign with your family and church responsibilities.
by JaneanI just had to come visit and see what God laid on your heart about this weeks’ quote!
God bless…
I have no doubt you will leave a remarkable legacy. You inspire me daily and for that I thank you. I sometimes find myself struggling with four healthy children and then I get online (hopefully only while they are sleeping…) and I read about your life and your upbeat attitude toward everything and I appreciate all of the information you have. It goes beyond taking care of Emma…that is awesome in itself…but you have an awesome faith in our Heavenly Father…your family ties are awesome…basically, your legacy is following you wherever you go…keep it up…I think it’s a great legacy…
by Tamara CosbyThis was a beautiful post!
by Chrisloved this post the first time I read it and this time! it is beautiful.
by Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)“I don’t want to be one of those Christians who pretends to have it all together. I don’t have it all together. My loose ends are blowing in the wind. What I do have is Grace. And for that I am eternally gratefully.” I love the way you put that. Thank you for your honesty.
by beckyWow, thats a great post. I’m Robyn by the way, and I followed a link from Faith Lifts - hope its ok that I registered :)
by RobynI gave up on trying to keep it together shortly after having my eldest daughter, and now that I’ve been dealing with depression and two pregnancy losses I’m living the fact that He shows His strength through my weakness, and thank goodness that He does. I think you’re creating the legacy that you want to have :)