How do I want to be remembered? How will I be remembered? Everyone asks those questions. Everyone.
When I think about the Titanic, I ruminate (one of the fanciest words I know) on:
Chances for a new life
Accomplishments of mankind
Failures of mankind
Extravagant spending
Appearances versus Safety
Freedom of choice related to societal class
Romanticizing death
I’ve watched documentaries, movies, and musicals exclaiming and extolling the excitement of the ocean liner. Reading passenger names of those who perished. Those names belonged to people who were probably thrilled to be one of the first to sail on the mammoth ship. While I was visiting Ireland, one of the guides mentioned loss of Irish life and that, along with the blights, Ireland hasn’t yet recovered the downward spiral of the country’s population.. Southampton alone lost 40% of its town registry.
Seriously thinking, though, why would I (or anyone) romanticize an event like this? Maybe because a wife chose to stay with her husband rather than leave him to die alone. Maybe because of the way a Hollywood producer/director presented an imaginary relationship in a movie. Maybe because most of us think about what we would do if death was imminent.
What will I be remembered for:
Family?
Job?
Money?
Accomplishments?
Hobbies?
Teaching?
In truth, I want to be remembered for my:
Faith
Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
John 11:25-26: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Praying for Others
Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Encouraging Others
Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Proverbs 3:27-28: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—when you already have it with you.
Helping Others
Galatians 6:2: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Hebrews 13:15-16: Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Serving Others
Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Some days, I get it right. Some days, I do not. I press on, hoping to be better than the day before. That is how I want to be remembered.