Dara shares a testimony of thanksgiving for the godly women in her life. Each one has passed down a legacy of holy living and genuine faith in God. Dara's prayer is to follow in their footsteps and leave a legacy of godliness that will eternally influence the lives of her own children and grandchildren.
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Dara's Legacy - A Testimony of Thanksgiving
A legacy is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “anything handed down as from an ancestor.” At this time of the year when the whole country pauses to be thankful, I felt it was the perfect opportunity for me to share how grateful I am for the godly legacy that my mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother left for me.- “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV)
My Mother's Legacy
I was raised in a household with an alcoholic father, who is to this day the angriest, most bitter man I know. He was emotionally abusive to my mother, and controlled her every move, until the day of her death. Through all this, she never claimed to be a victim, but remained a godly wife and mother. Her Christian example has inspired me to be the woman I strive to be today.
For a period of several months during my early teen years, my father persisted in accusing my mother of having an extra-marital affair. This unfounded accusation served to further destroy my mother’s spirit and leave her what I call an “emotional wreck.” She became deeply depressed. I do not know how she found the strength to get out of bed, knowing that she would daily be mercilessly bombarded with verbal attacks, except that through it all she hung on desperately to her sincere faith in the Lord.
One of my fondest memories of my mother is seeing her sitting peacefully on the sofa, in the dimly lit living room, early every morning, spending her private time with the Lord. Her Bible was always open on her lap, as she was meditating and praying. She taught me the value of God’s word and that authentic faith and confidence in the Lord is to be lived out every day of my life. Her faith was quiet and gentle, but there was no mistaking the strength, peace and inner joy she found in it. Her dedication to this was evident until the day of her very last breath.
The year I graduated from high school, 1980, my mother attempted suicide. But by the grace of God she was unsuccessful. Even in the final note she left for us, she was asking for everyone’s forgiveness. From that point on, she seemed more determined than ever to live out her genuine faith and not waver from her purpose to be a devoted wife and to leave a godly legacy for her children and grandchildren. She lived by this principle expressed in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 by Paul: “…For how do you know O wife, whether you will save your husband?...” (NKJV)
In 1997, at the age of 58, my mother died of a much accelerated case of Lou Gehrig’s Disease. I will admit that I doubted God for a short period of time and even questioned his methods, wondering how my mom’s death would accomplish the goal of my father’s salvation. But eventually I came to the realization that God was in control, nothing catches him off guard and he alone knows what’s best for each one of his children.
