What is a legacy if it is just to be remembered
As the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II begins to sink in, our focus now turns to the Legacy she has left behind. Reflecting on her incredible life of service to each and every one of us, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the whole world.
On her 21st birthday the Queen broadcasted the following statement to the world
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service”.
What an amazing statement to make at such a young age and of course one that is totally selfless, pledging to put us all before herself. And of course that is how she led her life.
She was dedicated to Love, committed to others, incredibly hard working, and had unwavering integrity.
Her life was built on the foundation of her faith, although she had respect and love for those of all faith’s and of no faith. She championed equality, personal choice and freedom.
One of my favourite quotes of the Queen was taken from her Christmas message in 2002, saying
"I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel."
I cannot truly express how incredible Queen Elizabeth was in words written down, but as I listen to all the tributes to her life on the TV, my own reflection is about what her legacy means to me.
What is a Legacy if it is just to be remembered? Does it have a deeper purpose? Is there any value in a Legacy?
A Legacy is something that is passed on, be it the legacy of faith, core values, character, or the example set for others that guides their futures.
It provides a perspective on what’s important in life and in our living. It inspires us to decide the kind of life we want to live.
Of course if it is passed on, then it must be received. A true legacy must inspire change. For someone to live such an incredible life, there has to be value in each and every one of us striving to learn from her example and apply it to our lives. We must all be determined to change and take steps to becoming better people.
I wonder what our lives would look like if we were all more selfless, putting others first before ourselves. If we loved unconditionally and respected those who were different from us. If we dedicated our lives to inspiring others to be the very best they can be.
What is the legacy that you are going to receive from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II?
My thoughts and prayers and now with King Charles III and the members of the Royal Family. I pray that through their grief that God will comfort them and give them strength.
written by Richard Evans