When someone mentions George Washington, the first thing that springs to my mind is First President of The United States. You hear Amelia Earhart and immediately think of an accomplished female pilot. Of course when you hear the name Jesus, all sorts of things come to mind. He’s the King of Kings. He’s the Lord of Lords. He’s the Savior of the world. We could go all day on that One, but you get the idea. People are known for something. They leave a legacy. We remember them by the ideas and actions that shaped and molded their lives. What’s molding yours?

One thing all of the people mentioned in the Bible have in common is we are still talking about them today. Outside of the person of Jesus, none of them were perfect. They were ordinary people just like you and me, but a lot of these people stepped out in faith, believed God and took a chance! Whether you know it or not, you will leave a legacy. For instance, take Joshua. He took the baton and ran the race after Moses passed away. He did as the Lord commanded and the children of Israel crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. That day the Lord made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses. (‭Joshua‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ NLT) The people “revered” him. He will always be known as a great leader. We still hear the statement made today that says “they have the patience of Job.”  Job went through about as much as any human could endure and still stayed focused on God. Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. (‭Job‬ ‭13‬:‭15‬ NIV) And then there was Mary, the mother of Jesus. Talk about a complicated situation to explain! Yet she was obedient to the One who created her. Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. (‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ NLT) She believed and gave birth to the Messiah! Wow! 

When people mention your name, what’s the first thing to come to mind? Do they talk about how kind and loving you are? Have they noticed your allegiance to The Lord? Are you an encouragement to them? Hopefully, all of these things are evident. If you’re like me though, we may be getting an A+ in some areas but a C- in others. Let’s just keep it real. There are areas in life that we just need God to grow us up in. The speeding on the highway, the little fibs “that won’t hurt anything”, the quest to have to be right, etc. Ouch! Fortunately, we’re not in this alone. Jesus to the rescue! “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”  (‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ NLT) Thank You, Lord! Before you start beating yourself up, let this sink in. He knew we couldn’t be perfect, so He perfected the imperfect Himself. Let’s not get in line with “well whatever it is runs in my family.” Don’t let it define your family anymore. Ask God for His help in stopping that way of thinking with you. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ NLT) This, my friends, IS the remedy. 

What’s something God has laid on your heart to do? Maybe you think it’s so big that there’s no way you’re up to the task. Wrong! God and you are the majority. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬ NLT) God will work out the details. You just be obedient to Him. That’s exactly what the aforementioned people we read about did. Unfortunately, we’re not reading about the ones who stayed on the bench. God’s calling you into the game. Get out there! There’s certain qualities He’s only put in you to do what only you can do. It’s all for His glory. It’s really not about us anyway. Our gifts are for the world to see how amazing He is. He takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary!

Let the world see the good works God has created in you. Show them His Light which burns brighter than the sun. Love on people while you have the chance. Do what God’s calling you to do. Step out in faith. Leave this world a legacy that points to the Name above all Names. Jesus, Himself, is cheering you on!

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband, Robby and cat, Harold.