This single mom experienced the heartbreak of her spouse walking out, leaving her to raise her children alone. She longed for her children to have a stable home. And her parents gave her encouragement and hope. She told them, "I know your faith helped you persevere during those hard times."

Persistence. The story in 2 Kings 17 depicts a different kind of legacy. These parents "...worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought" (30). The Lord had given them guidelines to live by; however, they "would not listen...but persisted in their former practices" (40). And because of the disobedience of these parents, "...their children and grandchildren continued to do as their fathers did" (41).

Promises. My friend's parents discovered that the Lord could even use their struggles to encourage their daughter. She observed the Lord hold her parents' marriage together when circumstances often looked impossible. Did they realize she was watching them? The surprised look on their faces as she shared her heart with them revealed the answer to that question.

Prayer. Romans 8:28 promises, "…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I pray that God will work all things (including my mistakes and my weaknesses) for my good and for the good of my loved ones.

What legacy will you leave your children and grandchildren?