LEGACY

I've listened to more sermons on leaving a strong legacy more times than I can possibly recall. I always leave feeling inspired thinking of the generations to come after me. I guess in my mind I didn't realize how soon the legacy would begin to form...and form it has!

I am a singer. I have been a singer since the age of seven when I debuted at Ed's Truck Stop :) in Poulan, GA. I remember what I sang. I remember what I wore. I remember the euphoric feeling when it was all over...the song wasn't the only thing that was over. I was done...ruined for anything but music for the rest of my life. I left that tiny stage that night knowing that singing would forever be a part of who I would be.

While God has definitely shifted my focus for a while, I was mostly right. I can't think of a time that I have not been singing. It provides me a unique way to express to God what is in my heart. I love lyrics that are rich with descriptions of our love of Christ. Harmonies that unite together resulting in the richest of sounds. I'm telling you...music is just in me!

Singing is one thing. Being an authentic worshipper while leading others is another. It took me some time and painful bumps in the road for me to learn and display the difference. Leading with any sin in your life...no matter how "big" or "small" is hypocritical and harmful to the body of Christ. Leading in worship is one of the biggest responsibilities right under the pastor. I can't think of any other position where the move from spiritual to fleshly can be such a slow fade. I've walked that road and I don't plan on ever going that way again.

This legacy came upon me with overwhelming speed. My youngest daughter, who is gifted in several ways artistically, was asked to help lead worship with our friend, TJ. He wanted to publicly affirm her gift so that she would be motivated at an early age to pursue God in this area. I was happy for Emily. I thought about how much fun she would have and the sense of accomplishment she would experience when she was done....

Then it hit me! As we were singing the first song waiting on Em to go up next it hit me that I had to help her begin this pursuit well. I had to pass on a legacy of being a worship leader...one who should be, by all accounts, "invisible" while at the same time pointing others to Christ in worship. No room for pride. No room for self. I leaned over to my sweet, little Em and prayed a blessing over her so that she could hear. I pray that my requests to God on her behalf took root deep in her heart. After I was done I shared a few things with her...and then she took her place.

I cried. I cried not only because I was a proud Mom and that's just what we're supposed to do. I cried because my little eight year old daughter was leading ME and her DADDY in worship! I cannot describe the feeling. Who would have thought that "full circle" would come so soon? I cried because I know her worship was authentic. I see it in her life daily. I cried as she sang words so rich with truth and I begged God to plant them so deep in her heart that they would ruin her for anything else but HIM!!!!

I'm not sure what God has planned for Emily. Her life was unique even while she was in the womb. She lives a life of uniqueness each day based on what God has willed for her so far. This I know...I will work hard on the legacy!

***Photos by Jaye Bice (jbicephotography.blogspot.com)

WHAT and IF

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about city transformation. I’ve been paying more attention than usual to my surroundings as I drive through town. I’ve noticed a lot more homeless people which has resulted in the give away of three hot fast-food breakfasts that I had purchased for my convenience and a stash of ready-to-eat military meals in my backseat. I’ve listened to people more and asked questions about their lives resulting in an opportunity to pray for a favorite waitress who has just learned she has cancer. I have to be honest – the more I watch and listen the more I have the tendency to become overwhelmed by the task that lies ahead.

This weekend I did something I never do – I went to the movies with a few girlfriends. The movie was Letters to Juliet and while my cohorts left with hearts full of romance, I left with inspiration. I won’t spoil the movie for you but obviously a letter was involved. The letter contained my inspiration: “"What ,and If." Those two words standing alone are basically harmless, but link them together and those two words possess great power. What if?”

I’ve internalized that quote from the movie since Friday night. What if our church pleaded with God each week (consistently) to transform Albany? What if each one of us rolled up our sleeves and committed to a volunteer area within our church in order to be prepared each week for the people we are asking God to bring? What if each of us woke up each day with the sole mindset of bringing God all the glory we possibly can? The momentum of unity alone would propel us upward. It’s inspiring, isn’t it?

Let’s look at it another way. What if we don’t give our tithes and offerings so that ministry can take place week-to-week? What if we come to church to sing a few songs, hear a good message and go back to our comfortable lives? What if we leave the outcome of our city to the elected officials? What if we just concentrate on ourselves and “mind our own business”? I don’t have to look too far back into church history to tell you that we would be one dead church in one dying city!

I don’t know about you but I’m choosing the first set of “what ifs”! It’s a HUGE task, I know. It can only be accomplished through prayer, faith and action. What is your action plan? Do you have a place of service? Are you coming to IMPACT on Sunday mornings? Do you give your tithe regularly? If you haven’t been doing these things there is good news! You can start fresh TODAY! If you need help, let us know. We can help you get started.

You don’t want to miss out on what God is going to do!