Words Stick like Glue

Have you ever wondered what you will be remembered by? William Shakespeare was not remembered for his house or how well he dressed. None of those things were ever passed down. His words were passed down and have been throughout so many generations. If one book wears out, another is printed. The same goes for Dante, Aristotle, and many more.

Even Licoln, although is relatively remembered as a president with a beard and is most remembered in a black outfit with a high hat, is really remembered by his words. Most children are even forced to memorize the "Gettysburg Address" because of the power of His words.

The other day I was found a container of old things from my life growing up. I tend to write a lot of journals. As I was reading one from my teen years I was so ashamed. If I died, this is what my children or whoever went through my things would find? The words that came out of my mouth and onto the written word were horrible and ungodly. I quickly shredded the journal and threw it away.

I then thought about people in ministry, people on television, teachers and professors. Everyone affects at least one other person. What we speak/write will be passed down from generation to generation. Even if we don't print it out and publish it - once our words come out we cannot take them back, burn them, throw them out. Unlike earthly possessions, these will not pass away or disenegrate or rot over time.

We think that no one will remember what we say most times, but did Homer realize his story spoken in word would live on though centuries? Is the story even the same one he told? Have people changed it over time but because the original story came from him he is credited for it?

In fact, a good friend once preached a sermon on "What is your legacy?" I've thought about that message so much lately. What is my legacy? What am I leaving behind? This computer won't be around much longer. I will purchase more furniture? I will lose weight and no longer need my clothes. and as I look at the bookshelf conataining books, movies, and my journals I realize that even if this house burns down the only thing that will not pass down is my personal journals. More books will be printed, the Bible will live on forever, the movies are readily available anywhere online or at any store. Those will live on forever. However, even my journals still have words I have spread that will be remembered by someone.

Will they remember me for the Godly words of Wisdom, for encouragement? Or will I be remembered for dirty jokes, curse words, and criticism of many things?

All I know is I want my legacy to be a Holy one. When people look at me I want them to see Jesus. I want them to remember the Words of the Lord, not of flesh coming from my lips. If I ever publish a book I hope it isn't one I'm ashamed of and would be so embarassed standing before the Lord explaining why I wrote it. I want to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

One thing is for sure, from this day forward I pray the print coming out of my hands or the words coming from my mouth edify! Even what I write on Facebook or Myspace and even here will always be in cyber space and able for someone somewhere to creep upon.

I end this asking you what is it you want the people to see, read, or hear from you?