A legacy of passion

 

By Rex A Lones

 

I want to start this blog with a couple definitions:

1. Passion- “An intense desire for, enthusiasm for, or love for something
2. Legacy- “Something that is handed down or passed on to someone else

As I was walking out the days following my divorce, my life became very confusing. Some days I did not even know which way was up. I made a critical decision at that point in my life which was to focus on my love for my children and not on my own pain. My passion became an intense desire to remain close to my children and do my best to love them and protect them from all harm (real or perceived).

I must confess that there were times that I just wanted to give up. I found myself saying,  “This is just too hard Lord, I cannot do this!” Not only did I have to deal with the actions of others but I had to deal with some very self-destructive coping mechanisms of my own. While I never stopped being responsible “FOR” my children, I did at times struggle with my responsibility “TO” my children.

You see, being responsible “FOR” them was all the provisional things like food, clothing and financial support. Though I struggled with this at times, God made a way. Being responsible “TO” them was providing them with clear direction, motivation and an example to follow. Sometimes that is quite difficult to do as a “weekend warrior.”  Today I am so grateful that God was walking beside me through that valley or I may have caused tremendous harm to my children. This happens to men every day in our world.

I am hoping that when I reach the end of my mortal journey here on earth, I will be able to look back and see that I have left a legacy of love and passion for my children. As I reflect on what Jesus went through during the week prior to His death, I am AMAZED at the passion He had for us !  Just before His arrest, Jesus took the time to pray for all of His disciples.  HE KNEW WHAT WAS COMING! Even though He was about to go through a horrible betrayal from a friend, an unlawful arrest, an unholy verdict, and an agonizing death, His passion for us was unwavering.

“As I read Jesus’ words in John 17:24, my heart is so overwhelmed with His love. His words reveal not only HIS passion for us but His FATHERS passion as well.”

Just as I could never walk away from or abandon my children, Jesus would not abandon His.  His LOVE FOR US drove Him on His journey to the Cross to pay our sin debt and redeem us back to the Father. I do not know how you feel about that but for me, it was the GREATEST GIFT I HAVE EVER RECEIVED ! Jesus then sealed the deal by giving us His SPIRIT to empower and comfort us.

“Father, I desire that they also whom you gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me, FOR YOU LOVED ME before the foundation of the world.”     WOW, the Father loves the Son, the Son loves His friends and His friends must then love their brothers and sisters.  What a way of “handing down” a legacy!

Those of us who operate on the same agenda as Jesus understand His heartbeat. Jesus longs to glorify the Father, sanctify His disciples, and unify His church to reveal the love of the Father to the whole world.

I would call that a LEGACY OF PASSION !!!