Legacy and Purpose, Baby!

Your Purpose Isn’t Just For You

Everybody wants it. Everybody is looking for it. Justin Bieber produced an album about it: purpose. Some of the biggest questions we ask ourselves are, “What is my purpose? What am I supposed to do? What am I good at?” God created each of us for a purpose. Do you know yours?

My purpose is to pray for people, care for people, develop leaders, build teams, multiply those teams, give generously, and bear fruit. How did I find my purpose? I discovered it while working on staff at a church for 16 years. It’s what I love to do, what I’m passionate about, and what I’m good at. Over two years ago, I transitioned my career from staff on a church to working in healthcare managing volunteers. My friend, Heather, always says, “Our purpose doesn’t change, but our strategy does.” My purpose didn’t change just because my career changed.

For example, I always offer to write letters of recommendation to volunteers who are college students. Alejandra is a senior in high school and asked me to write a letter of recommendation for a scholarship she was applying for. She stopped by my office recently and thanked me for writing the letter, and told me she made the final phase for the scholarship and had an interview coming up. I asked her if she knew the financial amount of the scholarship, and she said it was a full ride to the University of Texas. She wants to be a dermatologist. I was so excited for her, I asked her to sit down in my office right then and there. I told her about my friend who is an esthetician and married to a plastic surgeon, and they have a growing business together. She was beaming. I asked her if I could pray for her and she said yes. Before she left my office, she looked at me with her big brown 18-year-old eyes and in the most heartwarming tone and smile said, “Thank you!” It’s no coincidence. God connects us when we know our purpose.

I interact with purpose because I know my purpose. I use my purpose everywhere: at work, with family, with friends, at church, at the gym, at the grocery store, etc. I live my purpose.

“Legacy and purpose, baby!” I consistently say in a loud and fun voice as my nephews, James and Robert, roll their eyes at me. It’s my way of encouraging and cheering them on. I ask the question, “Does your dream and purpose leave a legacy that points to Jesus?” It’s a question I ask myself as well. Our purpose isn’t just for us. When we have identified our purpose and are faithful to it, God gives us the people to pour into. That’s how we leave a legacy.

Reflection

Share a story about someone who has left a legacy in you. What does that look like in your life?
Who or what has helped you discover your purpose, or could help you discover your purpose?
Do you know someone who knows their purpose? What could you learn from them?

Goals

What are three things that you are good at?

“for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.”

(Colossians 1:16 NLT)