“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” Psalms 8:4 ESV

February 8, 2023 was such a beautiful day weatherwise. I had a productive morning at the Foodbank inputting data while chatting and laughing with the other volunteers. When leaving the Foodbank that afternoon, I decided to drive with the windows down to soak up the spring-like air. I was headed across town to have my car inspected. I was in my thoughts actually thinking about what my next blog post would be when I received THE call—the call that you never want to receive. I was informed one of my best friends of over 40 years had suddenly passed away. My heart was shattered; I was numb and in utter disbelief. How could it even be possible? She had recently attended both my retirement ceremony and celebration. Although hard to believe, it was true. I am grateful to my long-time friend who called with such care because she knew it would be a devastating blow.

My girlfriend and I became close friends in high school. I was a sophomore, and she was a senior. We were inseparable that year. When she was in college, I would pack my bags and travel to see her for the weekend. She was my therapist before I knew what a therapist was. She was a listening ear, my sounding board, and my voice of reason. She was also my biggest cheerleader. She was present for most of my mountain top moments in life as well as my valley experiences. She was authentic, genuine, and selfless. She was the life of the party always joking and laughing. I will miss her warm smile, amusing sense of humor, her contagious laugh, and her surprise unannounced visits.

Matthew 20:28 declares, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” God gave my girlfriend a purpose; she knew her assignment; and she executed it masterfully. She listened, she loved, she laughed, and she served. She enjoyed life tremendously. She was a listening ear for her family and friends; she loved her family, friends, and classmates; and she served everywhere she was needed. What an incredible legacy!

In an article titled, “Five Essentials to Leaving a Legacy that Will Outlive You,” by Dennis and Barbara Rainey, it tells of a couple in the 1700’s, Jonathan and Sarah Edwards. This couple truly walked by faith. Jonathan was called to minister, and Sarah was his partner in the ministry. They were the parents to eleven children. The couple spent many hours praying and discussing sermons and church matters together, and when their children were old enough, they included the children in their discussions.

The Rainey’s provide the following five essentials to living a life worthy of a legacy:

1. Fear the Lord and obey Him.
2. Recognize the world’s needs and respond with compassion and action.
3. Pray that God will use you to accomplish His purposes.
4. Be a good steward of your gifts and abilities.
5. Ask God to give your children a sense of purpose, direction, and mission.

My girlfriend’s home going celebration was an amazing testimony of her life reflecting her true character. Along with the pastor’s outstanding eulogy and with each person that stood to give their own personal reflection, the theme remained consistent–she loved God; she loved family; she loved others; and she loved to serve. It is quite evident that her legacy and sweet spirit was passed from her grandmother to her mother on to her and will continue to be passed down to her sons and grandchildren. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way” (Psalms 37:23 NKJV).

My girlfriend’s passing caused me to question my own mortality and to ponder what legacy will I leave. I hope to leave a lasting legacy of loving God first, loving and respecting others, warm smiles and hardy laughter, a love of family and meaningful friendships, acts of service, being a good steward of my resources and abilities, along with the ability to encourage, motivate, and empower others. My prayer is to leave this legacy to be passed on to my children and from them to their children and so on.

Life is not about our resources, our titles, or the material possessions we’ve acquired, it is about how we treat one another. I encourage us to live life like my girlfriend–let’s listen more, love more, laugh more, and serve others more.  Maya Angelou once quoted, “I’ve learned people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Therefore, I leave you with the thought-provoking question—what legacy will you leave?

In loving memory of my

Girlfriend, Sister-friend, and Sister in Christ,

Angela Cherrice Morgan

August 9, 1964 – February 8, 2023

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