A Legacy Worth Following

It has been 20 years since my mother died. I had no idea how much her example would mean to me now, nor did I fully grasp the extent her life would influence mine. She showed determination with kindness and love in spite of significant suffering. Her sweet spirit of faith shone brightly through years of multiple hospital stays, numerous emergency room visits, uncomfortable procedures, and treatments. She was an example of goodness, and she had a loving heart that unknowingly commanded respect and admiration. Her life bore witness to God in word and deed to the very end.

Hebrews 11 lists the great “cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us. They are powerful biblical examples of perseverance, devotion, and dedication. From Noah to Abraham, Sarah to David, Hebrews presents a long list of people whose faith in God was the driving force behind their actions and decisions.

We also have personal examples of faith heroes — people whose legacies inspire us, people to emulate. My mother is that for me.

I am thankful I have a vast cloud of witnesses, including my mother, who point me to God and inspire me to run with faithful perseverance the race that is marked out for me.