In 2014, I wrote my fourth Book, “Legacy: A Poetic Voyage Towards Heaven Shore” that I might reflect on the life of my Grandmother, as well as my life with her as I processed my grief.
The Book was released a little over a year later after her passing and it was written with creative flair which allowed each reader to become part of the story, as a “character” within the story.
There is MUCH in this Book as it invites the reader to go on an interactive voyage and sail the seas of life. Each chapter in the Book is entitled as a different Sea of Life and helps readers learn more about a relationship with JESUS. All sixteen chapters are about discovering more about how we can leave a Legacy in Christ for others. It’s perfect for anyone regardless of where they are in their faith.
There are many surprises tucked inside pressed between the paragraphs. However, without giving too many spoilers away, one can’t miss thing about the Book is every chapter has a section called “Sea Misty Memories” – and these are detailed stories of special memories shared with my Grandmother.
So, don’t miss the tiny excerpt below from the poem entitled “A Calling in Your Time”, that I have included in this Blog as a sneak peek, which is also in this Book.
This Blog, will be featured for the Summer Season. It is my prayer that this Blog will encourage YOU to see life with an Eternal Perspective that we not be limited by the Temporal things of this world. You may click here to learn more about purchasing this book, in its entirety. 🙂
For now, please let this Blog (although a bit lengthy for good reason) encourage YOU to consider God’s Sovereign Call over YOUR own life, as you ponder its words the verses shared.
Peace to you.
Legacy
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:19-20
There are two main reasons why this Book is a favorite: The first, is of course because it is dedicated in Loving Memory of my Grandmother. The second, is because it carries a wonderful nautical theme and I love, love, love the ocean!
One interesting thing about writing this Book is that during the time I was proofing it I couldn’t get through the last few chapters because I was in such immense grief everytime I read it. Every page was written with such an interactive intent that it was hard for me to escape much of the heaviness and sadness I felt like I was losing my Grandmother all over again. However, what I have come to realize lately is that God’s Timing is perfect especially in healing our broken hearts. For, I understand now, how instrumental and intential God’s Healing and Preparation transformed me by writing each word of this Book. In doing so, it has brought me from where I first started as a very immature new christian, to helping me become spiritually mature so that one day I might leave a Legacy for Christ, for others to follow HIM too.
Of course I am still learning new things everyday but one thing is for sure these are the days of Grace and either knowing JESUS for the first time, or knowing JESUS better to follow Him – both are part of HIS Mission in pointing us back to Christ!
So here are three truths about what I have discovered about my Legacy in Christ, that I would like to share with you:
First: No matter how strong one’s relationship is with the Lord, a Legacy in Christ is a Calling and it takes every minute and weighing each decision as we yield our lives in obedience to God – takes a lifetime. It is a Heavenly undertaking by which the Holy Spirit helps those who are to either pass on the proverbial torch of a Legacy in Christ or pick it up and carry it to others after them. This is why, we should have no reason or excuses, for us not living out a Legacy in Christ. HE will equip us for every good work – whether we are ready or not.
Hebrews 13:20-21 says it like this ~ Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
You know, many times I never felt like I had even a smidgen of faith that my grandmother had. Instead, I felt my disobedience in how I lived, far outweighed any chance of me ever being as faithful as her. Yet, the tender love she showered me with was saturated with Grace and Forbearance while at the same time, it planted seeds – not only for my walk with the Lord then, but so I could faithfully serve others now and point them to Christ.
Second: Living out a Life for Christ or leaving behind a Legacy for Him can at times seem overwhelming this side of Heaven. However, we are not to worry or have doubts, because God is Faithful and has not left us without careful instructions from His Word. This is why it is so imperative that we dive into God’s Word as much as possible. Meaning, we are to read it, study it, meditate on it, memorize verses in it and apply it to our lives daily.
I confess, that I’m still working on this as so much can distract me in this life, causing me to feel like I fall short of His Calling on my life, that my Grandmother seemed to achieve easier than me. Still, I know, that she was not perfect and was only able to accomplish a life lived in Christ by watching a Legacy of Faith before her from her mother. At the end of the day, all of us need only trust that Jesus will complete what He starts in our lives as well.
Philippians 1:6 says ~ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Third: Don’t forget, every moment counts in these days of Grace, as time is quickly running out on this earth, and Believers must use this time wisely.
Titus 2:13-14 says ~ waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Many times over, I can still hear my Grandmother’s voice inside my head speaking the truth of this verse over me. I’ve been hearing it louder and louder lately because I believe we are literally touching the final pebbles of sand and time is falling quickly through our fingers to be gone forever.
My friend, if we are going to live out and pass on a Legacy in Christ to those who might also carry it on to others, then we must realize that every encounter with a person needs to point them back to Christ, our Coming King. This Calling, our Legacy in Christ, should accessorize our lives everyday we live it out. It is an incredible gift and we shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take as many people with us as we can.
“A Calling in Your Time”
Yes, you have chosen me for a special purpose, with all I say and do,
I pray my life becomes a Holy Calling, in obedience unto YOU.
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling YOU! ~ Jodie
