What will be your legacy?

 

This past week, I watched a segment on the Today Show highlighting a new book to be released shortly focusing on Eunice Kennedy Shriver. You may be aware that Mrs. Shriver was the driving force behind development of Special Olympics. This year Special Olympics will celebrate 50 years!

I found the story to be really fascinating. As you know, Special Olympics encourages children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities to participate in athletic events.

But, this wasn’t always the case.

For many years, individuals with special needs were often hidden from society. Usually institutionalized or kept isolated, these children or adults had few opportunities for games or physical activity. Their sedentary lifestyle placed them at risk for cardiovascular disease and obesity. Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw a need and committed herself to making a difference.

In the summer of 1962, Sargent and Eunice Shriver hosted a day camp for children with disabilities. Mrs. Shriver’s brother, President John F. Kennedy, was also an advocate for those with disabilities. That same year, President Kennedy authorized the creation of the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development. This organization is part of the National Institute of Health and has made tremendous strides in research and advocacy programs that benefit the health of children.

The summer camp continued yearly until the first Special Olympics games were implemented in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Have you ever witnessed Special Olympics? The joy in the faces of participants and volunteers is an awesome sight. From that small beginning in 1968, the organization now serves nearly five million athletes in  over 165 countries.

 

What a legacy inspired by Eunice Kennedy Shriver!

Wasn’t she doing God’s work? Fulfilling her role as a Christian? We are called to be like Christ in our actions and service to others. Jesus spoke of his task to serve and protect those in need:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Luke 4:18

Of course, this moves me to question myself–what kind of legacy am I leaving on this Earth? What am I doing to help those in need?

What about your legacy? You may be thinking, “I don’t have the Kennedy name or their wealth to leave such a far reaching legacy!”

But, each person can make a difference in the lives of others.

And, we’ve probably already created a legacy…

• If you have children, they are part of your legacy.
• In your career, you’ve left a legacy to all those you’ve served. As Christa McAuliff once stated, “I touch the future, I teach!”
• If you’ve been a stay at home Mom, you’ve left a legacy to your children, but also to their friends.
• If you’ve been a friend, you’ve left a legacy of love for your friend.
• If you’ve served in your church or community, you’ve left a legacy of care and compassion.

I’m not trying to encourage you to give yourself a pat on the back. I am hoping that you’ll recognize what a great impact you’ve had thus far in serving others, BUT, I encourage you not to stop!

Can you do more? Is there a way you can serve those less fortunate?

Can you:

• Volunteer to help Special Olympics?
• Serve as a volunteer in your community’s schools?
• Assist the poor?
• Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen, Homeless Shelter, Women’s Crisis Center?
• Can you visit a nursing home and help alleviate loneliness for a resident?

 

There are so many areas where we might assist. Can we help? Can we answer God’s call to serve others?

Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43

I hope that we can prayerfully consider how we can serve others. Our God will show us the path we should take and the Spirit will guide us. Praying for you, my friends!

Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.” Matthew 12:18.