It's a Family Affair!

"Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half district of Jersualem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters" (Nehemiah 3:12).

What legacy do we leave? We are often preoccupied with this notion in our lives. We spend a lot of time trying to set an example of intergrity, faith and excellence that our families can see. But think about this, what legacy do we allow our families to participate with us? Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half district, was not necessarily a powerful man, but he did not just leave a legacy; he shared a legacy with his daughters as they participated with him in rebuilding, restoring and renewing!

Think about the family projects that we may initiate? But what about the spiritual projects that our children participate?

Shallum is an obscure historical figure, but he is known for centuries as one who not only gave of himself to rebuild,, restore and rebuild, but he also enlisted the aid of his daughters. History remembers those who serve others. Women during this time were second class citizens and had no status at all. Men celebrated their sons, and it was a patriarchal society. Interestingly enough, there is no reference of some man and his boy's repairing the wall. Shallum's commitment to contribute and to have his daughter's participate in this historic event outshines them all.

A television program aired with many children of parents who impacted history in a profound way. Their parent's were champions for causes in law, civil rights, to a variety of social issues. Their parents helped shape a generation. However, interestingly enough, their children were not involved in the causes or organizations that their parents created. In many ways it appeared sad, because they saw so much, and their perspective could give them such a depth and insight that could carry the work to another level. However, if their parents life's work was viewed as something that they "did"; As opposed to including the family as they included scores of other families their legacy ends with just themselves.

When I look at other cultures and their successes, it is often because they have such a high respect for the legacy of their family and feel the need to pass on the values of their family and to share that with the world.

Legacy's are not created with our families sitting on the sidelines, they are created by our children being a part of the work of creation. It is allowing them to be co-creators with us.

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Father, May we not just be an example, but
enlist our families in our example.
In the name of Jesus and Through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!