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A Concerning Legacy

Weekly Thought – July 17, 2018

Fred’s sense of responsibility made him attractive to all generations. His appeal to younger ones was found in his authenticity. In a 64 year old speech memo, Fred listed concerns he had for those coming behind. He challenged his contemporaries to seriously consider their legacy. This unusual posting gives a sobering view. Of course, Fred observed many positive contributions, but this was his litany of liabilities.

Colby Hurd, Fred’s great grandson, posted on Facebook thoughts very much Fred-like. “Society will crumble and continue to devolve over the next hundred years if the current generations do not solve the actual problems at hand.”

A Concerning Legacy

My friend Jim Lang often begins his talks to students with these words: “We have made a mess that you have inherited. We want to be here to help you navigate the muddy waters.” (editor’s comment: Jim Lang aptly describes what Fred saw over 60 years earlier).

Sadly, we have given the coming generations:

Religion without conviction; Science without conscience; Kinsey without marriage.

Excitement without achievement; Security without effort; Knowledge without wisdom.

Nightmares instead of dreams; Techniques without principles; Precepts without examples.

Freedom without responsibility; The present without promise; The future without fruition.

Marching orders without marching songs; Education without motivation; Prosperity without peace.

War without reason; Art without beauty; Brotherhood without Godhood.

Songs without souls; Enterprise without enthusiasm; Fission without feeling.

Fusions without faith.

As I think what I am leaving I want my family to love me, but not need me. I want them to mature into the principles Mary Alice and I have taught enabling them to successfully live on their own. I want to leave a legacy, not an inheritance – a legacy of faith, and hope.

I want my epitaph to be “he stretched others” because I want to use the gifts God has given me in a consistent, constant exercise of maturing. I want to go to bed seeing how much more I don’t know, respecting the greatness of God’s creation. May my awe expand.

This week think about: 1) What part am I playing in creating a healthy legacy for those behind me? 2) How faithful am I? 3) What positive correlation can I make for each of Fred’s concerns?

Words of Wisdom: “May my awe expand.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13 NET Bible)

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