How we cope with the difficulties in our life and depend on God, can greatly influence those around us. S.L. shares.
“Listen, my son to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9).
My wedding ring is precious to me. My husband gave me my ring and the band was my great-grandmother’s. My grandma gave it to me when I was in high school and I’ve treasured it since. My ring is a reminder of where my family has come from, both the good and the bad.
I think I feel such a connection with this lady of whom I have just fuzzy memories because she was, as I am , chronically ill. In fact, I believe we share the same illness.
It is a constant reminder that I am leaving a legacy for those that I will never meet. My great-grandma never met my sons, but they know her through the ring on my finger and through my actions that have been inspired through my family.
Some days it feels like it is all we can do to get through the day and we don’t consider the grand story as God does. We have an extraordinary opportunity to pass on God’s wisdom and grace to all those around us, despite illness.
Everyone around us needs Godly encouragement. I’m a foster parent so I’m constantly working with families who have generations of hurt behind them. By sharing my story–which isn’t all that pretty–and how God has saved me and my family, they can see how their situation is redeemable. Not everyone has parents able to offer this kind of instruction.
Leaving a legacy isn’t so much about what we do as it is who we are in Christ. In the midst of and because of pain, we can exude Christ! Chronic illness isn’t pretty, but God is our hero in it! that is something we can share with everyone. That wisdom is definitely a fine chain for people to adorn their necks.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your wisdom and teaching You offer us through Your scriptures. Help us to hide them in our hearts and become the people You want us to be and thus impact people for You. Help them see You in us for generations to come for everyone we touch. Please help us be faithful in our illness. Amen.
About the author:
S.L. Payne lives in North Carolina with her husband, three biological sons and foster daughter. She has had fibromyalgia since she was a little girl, but is thankful for God’s faithfulness. God has used to it help her see Him in everything; the three boys have supplied the humor! She loves writing, photography and laughing with her family. Her blog is The Proverbs 31 Project at adventuresofaneverydaygirl.blogspot.com where she hopes she can encourage others. You can follow her on Twitter @saralynnpayne.
What kind of legacy has been left for you? Is there a cycle you need to break and a way you can inject God into the lives of people around you?
This is a touching collection of old photographs and the song “Walk With Me, Lord,” sung by Denny Denson. It is a touching reminder of how many generations of people have asked God to walk beside them, and so can you and I. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 