How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
Creating a Legacy of Purpose and Impact
Introduction
Some years ago, while leading a discussion at a social group meeting, I posed a simple yet profound question: How do you want to be remembered? To my surprise, one participant responded with a sharp rebuke, “Get thee hence!”—a phrase often reserved for driving away the devil. She refused to entertain the thought because, to her, thinking about how she would be remembered meant confronting her own mortality.
But the truth is, we were not born to fade into oblivion. Whether we acknowledge it or not, one day, our breath will leave our bodies, and for most of us, a eulogy will be spoken over our lives. The question remains: What will that eulogy say?
Living with Purpose
I have spent years reflecting on this question. Some days, I feel like my life’s journey has barely begun. Other days, I acknowledge that, given the challenges I’ve faced, I haven’t done too badly. But there has never been a day when I have felt completely satisfied that I have fulfilled my God-given purpose. And I don’t believe we are meant to feel fully satisfied—we are meant to keep striving, growing, and impacting others until our final breath.
Today, I want to ignite a fire in you—a fire that consumes self-doubt, procrastination, indecision, and fear. I want to stir in you an unwavering determination to rise above failures and step boldly into your divine calling.
My Story
Years ago, as I reflected on my journey as a woman, mother, daughter, sister, professional, and believer, I felt an unsettling dissatisfaction. I asked myself, What have you done with your time? My immediate reaction was to rationalize—to blame external factors, to excuse my shortcomings. But then, I resolved to make the rest of my life count. To live—not just exist. To explore and discover, to inspire and be inspired, to love and be loved, to forgive, share, and grow.
Now, I pose the same questions to you:
- Are you satisfied with where you are?
- Are you doing all you can with what you have?
The Cost of Playing Small
The world is filled with dreamers—people who long to be renowned speakers, great leaders, or influential coaches. Yet, many never wake up to pursue those dreams. They listen to the voice of fear: “You’re not ready. You’re not good enough. No one will listen to you.” They compare themselves to giants in their field and convince themselves they can never measure up.
But God did not create you to be average. He created you for greatness. The enemy wants you to shrink in fear, but God calls you to step out in faith. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Overcoming Fear and Failure
Lou Vickery once said, “Nothing average ever stood as a monument to progress.” If you settle for mediocrity, you will never reach the extraordinary.
Many people hesitate to pursue their dreams because they fear failure. They worry about what others will think. But let me tell you a truth I’ve learned firsthand: People’s opinions are fluid—they change like the wind. You cannot build your life on the shifting sands of public opinion. If you allow fear of failure or criticism to paralyze you, you will never accomplish what God has called you to do.
Winston Churchill wisely said, “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” If you want to leave a lasting impact, you must be willing to fail and get back up. Again and again.
Embracing Imperfection
For years, I dreamed of becoming a motivational speaker. As an HR professional, I realized I had a gift for inspiring people to reach their full potential. But I hesitated. My enunciation isn’t perfect. What if no one listens? Those doubts kept me in the shadows—until I decided to silence them and start right where I was.
Here’s the truth: No one starts off perfect. Every expert was once a beginner. If you wait until you are flawless to begin your journey, you will wait forever. God equips those who step out in faith. He perfects us as we walk in obedience.
Teddy Roosevelt said it best: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
The Choice Between Fear and Freedom
I once heard a powerful story about a soldier who was captured behind enemy lines. He was given two choices: execution by firing squad or the unknown behind a locked door. Terrified of the unknown, he chose the firing squad. After his execution, an officer asked the captain, “What was behind the door?” The captain responded, “Freedom. But very few choose it because they fear the unknown.”
How many of us are choosing known misery over unknown freedom? How many of us are staying in unfulfilling jobs, toxic relationships, or comfort zones simply because stepping into the unknown feels too risky?
God is calling you to step into the unknown. To trust Him. To believe that on the other side of uncertainty is your breakthrough.
How Will You Be Remembered?
At the end of your life, what legacy will you leave? Will people whisper over your casket, “They had so much potential, but they never lived up to it”? Or will they celebrate a life well-lived, a life that left an indelible mark on the world?
I know what I want:
- I want my books to continue inspiring generations long after I’m gone.
- I want to empower women to demand respect and set new precedents.
- I want my daughter to tell her great-grandchildren that their ancestor was a phenomenal woman who defied the odds and made a difference.
I refuse to let fear or complacency define my life. And I challenge you to do the same.
The Call to Action
You don’t have to be wealthy or famous to leave a lasting impact. History remembers people like Mahatma Gandhi—not for his riches, but for his resolve.
Napoleon Hill said, “No more effort is required to aim high in life than is required to accept misery.” The choice is yours: will you settle for mediocrity, or will you rise to the challenge and leave your footprint on the sands of time?
I encourage you to start today. Take the first step toward your dream. Write the book. Launch the business. Speak your truth. Choose faith over fear.
Your Turn
How do you want to be remembered? Share your thoughts in the comments—I would love to hear your story.
And if you need inspiration, here’s a link to stories of people who failed before they succeeded: 15 Highly Successful People Who Failed Before Succeeding
Let’s blaze a trail together—as ordinary people doing extraordinary things.