Leaving Legacies of Hope During Stressful Times

Life is stressful! Especially as we get older. Today was a good example and why I am so grateful for those who are committed to be of service to us all! As a 70 year old woman I am in the “normal range” for someone my age having “issues” like intestinal problems, aches and pains and other problems that are exacerbated by stress.

Today I thank God for doctors, nurses, receptionists, Xray technicians, radiologists, pharmacists and all the staff at the pharmacy that choose to work on a Sunday. I am grateful for insurance to get checked out and get a “you are not going to die this week” diagnosis, and I am grateful for insurance and enough money to come home with a boatload of intestinal remedies shared by my entire aging household that includes Magnesium Citrate, Gas X, Miralax, and Preparation H. I know… TMI, but just wait! If you aren’t there yet, you will be!

But this is all part of leaving a legacy of hope… WHAT are you talking about! I am sure you are wondering, “What is a legacy of hope?” How do I do that?” And why do I even need one? I am just trying to get through today without losing my keys again (or ending up in the hospital!) Who can think that far out there?

Those are fair questions.

After 35 years in the counseling profession, living in a region that has been a national leader in suicide rates, I have seen one common thread in many people’s decision to end their lives: a lack of hope.

I live in North Central Wisconsin, which already lends itself to higher alcohol and substance abuse rates and higher depression rates than many other places. Granted, we do have a prediction of at least a foot of snow today, and it is below zero, but even if we had perfect weather and palm trees, we still couldn’t combat suicide rates without hope.

Many people are not at the depth of hopelessness where they’re ready to take their own life. But how many of us have quietly given up on our dreams? Why do we get so stressed out about things and focus so much on comparison to others to the point where we give up?

People give up because they don’t feel they have anything to offer, or they believe they’ve failed too much, too often, or too publicly. They haven’t discovered the absolute, incomparable, inherent value they’ve been given by God.

What is a legacy anyway?

There are lots of dictionaries out there now, and for this word, I think the most fitting definition comes from The Free Dictionary and it says that “leave a legacy” means to (Accomplish), verb. To bring about, dedicate, enrich, fulfill, make a contribution to society, minister, pass down, realize, redound to, to succeed. These are all other ways of looking at “legacy.”

Many people believe your legacy is what happens after you die, but I believe that it’s what happens while you’re here. The impact we have as individuals on our communities, families, friends, and even strangers. What legacy are you creating right here, right now, for the greater good?

What is HOPE?

The first thing to realize is that God created you for a purpose. Yes, you are a vessel of his spirit, and God gives all of us a plan even if we don’t seem to know what that is. God has a plan for your life that is not about calamity and chaos but for goodness and hope. Our purpose is to be His vessel. We pass on the message that everyone has a specific set of skills, talents, gifts and experiences that no one in the world has ever been able to do or ever will be able to do because they were created especially for that mission.

The most accepted definition of hope that is relevant to where MY hope comes from is; “Hope is the confident expectation, the sure cer­tainty that what God has promised in the Word is true, has occurred, and or will in accordance with God’s sure Word.” I’ve chosen to make hope an acronym for Help, Opportunity, Praise, and Encouragement. That’s what I offer to everyone I meet. Being a faucet of HOPE is about pouring into others when they open themselves up to be vessels, themselves.

Leaving a legacy of HOPE

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (NIV)

So, if hope is the understanding that God has a plan and it’s to our most amazing benefit, then we must then understand that our legacy is about dedicating ourselves to his Plan. Jesus shared God’s plan through his life. Jesus spent time enriching the lives of others, fulfilling the mission he was given. Jesus brought about a sense of hope for others, and through this he brought a significant contribution to society.

Through ministering, helping those in need, and passing down the truth that we have come to know about what our creator has called us to do we realize our value and the incredible value of each person out there. We redound to (contribute greatly to a person’s great honor) and succeed in fulfilling that to which we have been called.

How to leave our legacy of HOPE

If you don’t know how to leave your Legacy of HOPE, please get in touch with me!

Tell your story, your legacy. People need to hear how you have survived to this point in your life and what you have learned. Take the time to write it down, record it, video tape it, and get it out there. You will find the blessings show up for others and come back to you when you just be yourself and share what you know. Don’t worry about being perfect, just pour out and into other people.   To get a copy of MY story you can find Ditzy Blonde Faucet It’s a God Thing on Amazon or you can download the Ebook HERE

If writing your story down in book form sounds like something you’d be interested in, or you need some additional accountability in this, my niece is fostering an inclusive space that holds authors accountable and motivates them to finish their story. You can get more information here: https://stephaniekunkel.com/write/

In the meantime, let’s chat and I can share how I am fostering my legacy of HOPE and how I have been able to capture my own story through books, ministries, and even through coaching.

One more thing, I offer women’s support groups on Sunday night- For 40+ women working on recovery from “whatever ails you” (alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, smoking etc) at 5:30-6 pm  and women veterans from 6-6:30 or later as needed. You can sign up for one or both HERE on this LINK