In chapter one, the spotlight is on Elizabeth Prentiss’ parents. The fruit of her life is in large part attributable to the grace of God she received through them at an early age. As Sharon James observes, “Elizabeth grew up in an atmosphere of deep and genuine piety” (p. 5).
Elizabeth always remembered her father—to whom she was very attached—for his “transparent godliness” (p. 11) and cherished fond memories of “playing games…telling stories, listening to jokes, and joining in whatever fun was going on” (p. 2).
About her mother, Elizabeth recalled, “If anything troubled our annoyed my mother she went straight into the ‘spare room,’ no matter how cold the weather, and we children know it was to pray. I shall never forget its influence over me” (p. 11).
What a remarkable legacy Edward and Louisa Payson left to their daughter—one we all benefit from even to this day.
How about you—what godly legacy have you received from your parents? Or—what kind of legacy do you hope to leave to your children?
We’d love to hear your answers to either or both of these questions. So today, we want to try something new (for the girltalk blog anyway) and open up the comments feature for discussion.
Simply click on the “comments” option at the bottom of this post and type in your answer(s). Please note that we will be moderating this “discussion” and will edit or delete comments that are unhelpful, unrelated to this topic, or too long.
We hope to hear from as many of you as possible, so we can all be inspired to gratefulness for godly parents and faithfulness in parenting our own children.
Hi - I've just found your blog and it's a great idea so thanks for that. I have also read Sharon James book so this is a great encouragement to see people discussing the relevant issues.
My mum was taken to her heavenly home just 2 weeks ago after battling with cancer for 15 years. She has left a legacy to many of how to endure under suffering. Her willingness to put God first in all things will never be forgotten.
Posted by: Elaine | February 02, 2007 at 03:16 PM
My grandfather left me a wonderful legacy. He would rise early every morning to go down to his basement room where he would pray for every member of our family. He could be heard singing beautiful hymns in his endearing Norwegian accent. He was the kind of person who made you feel loved and important just by the way he said your name.
Posted by: Eva | January 22, 2007 at 04:55 PM
I am so grateful for two loving parents who weatered good times and bad and are still married today after 56 years. They served our small local church in any way that was needed and taught us the importance of Sunday church attendance. At the age of 77, my dad still serves as an elder in his church. And I cannot remember a time when I came to the breakfast table that mom wasn't sitting there reading her Bible. Now, as a mom of 8 children, I follow the example she set for me by arising early each morning to seek God for His grace and mercy. God has truly blessed them with a heritage--their 3 children and spouses, and many of their 13 grandchildren are following Christ.
Posted by: Cyndi | January 22, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Personally my childhood was also characterized by instability.
I do not believe details are necessary regarding my childhood, so I will give a point-blank but heart-felt answer to the question "What kind of legacy do you hope to leave to your children?"
Actually in the ABOUT ME section of my blog I wrote "I am but a Home Educator, a pilgrim on a journey... and along the way, God-willing, teaching my six children to follow in God's way. Which is by far the richest inheritance I can leave them."
I want to also add what I wrote to a friend who also wrote about what matters most in regards to leaving a legacy: "My hope is to be known for erring on the side of mercy but yet uncompromising in HIS truth and HIS love for HIS glory."
Posted by: Lisa | January 19, 2007 at 11:32 AM
I am so thankful for the heritage of devotion to God by not only my parents, but my grandparents. Growing up in a Christian home is something easy to take for granted, and I did for many years, but having my own children has made me so thankful for the many prayers of my parents.
I do so want to model godliness to my children and am keenly aware of how often I fail at this. Thankfully God is merciful AND gracious. I pray my girls will grow in their faith and learn to take everything to God in prayer.
Posted by: Kathy | January 19, 2007 at 08:03 AM
My mom has taught me the importance of loving and obeying our dear Father. She has told me that when we obey God that we love Him. She has also taught me that when we love our earthly father (and mother) that we show God's love. I am truely gratful for her and her unfailing love for God, my dad,my brothers, and me.
Posted by: Corrie | January 18, 2007 at 09:42 AM
I'll never forget looking through the keyhole into my parents room (probably not the best practice in the world) and seeing my mom down on her knees praying.
She prays for long periods of time daily, and it wasn't until I was an adult that I realized that her consistent daily prayer life is not something that has come uncultivated.
Posted by: Valerie | January 17, 2007 at 01:26 PM
I was raised by wonderful parents whom to my shame I did not always appreciate. Though not professing Christians they did expose me to the basic truths of Christianity. I continue to pray for their salvation.
My mom is an incredible example of sacrificial, unconditional love for my dad and her children. She makes her home in the kitchen and always had an abundance of homemade Italian food at the table for any extra guest. She truly never thinks of herself, is hard working, rarely complains, seems tireless, and bears all things well. She has been a Proverbs 31 woman without knowing it! My dad has been an example of strength, perserverance, wisdom, and provision. Because of his good stewardship example, I have been able to trust God to supply all I need. Though my dad lost his leg at 18 in Iwo Jima, he has not complained or resorted to self-pity. He has always been available to us. My parents have seeded into me truths that have been strengthened and honed by my faith in Christ. I am grateful to God for the gift they are to my life and pray we will spend eternity together.
Posted by: Regina | January 16, 2007 at 04:59 PM
I did not have the privilege of growing up in a Godly home and did not have a biblical example to follow in my own mother. I do, however, thank God everyday for the Godly example of the many women that I have watched over the years since I have been a part of a local church. There has never been a time or a season in my life, whether single or married, that I have not had Godly women to emulate or ask for advice or counsel. Now, as I am watching my own daughters grow and come to their own personal relationship with the Savior, I desire that their lifelong passion would be to see His name glorified, to find their lives in giving them away in service to their families and the local church, and that they would be able to live out Biblical Femininity to a world that condemns and rejects all that it stands for.
Posted by: Cindy C | January 16, 2007 at 03:47 PM
In the past couple of years I have really been impacted by the legacy of faith God has provided for me. While growing up I took it for granted that my parents and grandparents were Christians, but as I have recently talked to many friends who didn't have that blessing, it has become so precious to me. I thank God that he saw fit to grant faith to my parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and I don't even know how much further back I could go! That foundation has been so much easier to build upon than starting "fresh" as a first generation Christian. My prayer is that my children and grandchildren and so on... can look back on my life as a continuation of that heritage; one of faith and fruitfulness for God's kingdom, through Christ alone.
Posted by: Carmela Klug | January 16, 2007 at 03:03 PM
My mother was a single parent to three girls, I am grateful she was there for us. She isn't a believer in Christ, but we are praying! My husband and I have not been blessed with children of our own. We are however foster parents hoping to adopt. Right now we have Makayla a sweet 2 year old. I am so challenged by her sweetness, willingness to obey and quick to repent. I love when Elizabeth's father extends grace to her giving her the paper to write to her heart's content instead of writing in her Bible. I hope to extend grace to whatever child or children God gives us. A couple of things I do with our foster daughter is when she wakes up in the morning, I am singing to her This is the day, this the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it. It is one of her favorite songs to sing. I also pray for her aloud at nite before going to bed and she has started saying Amen after I say Amen.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 16, 2007 at 02:08 PM
My dad passed away 8 yrs ago at age 65. He became a Christian about 2 weeks before he died. Even though I grew up in a non-christian home, my dad left many legacies. He was a man of integrity. Any one who knew my father knew they could trust him, that he was a man of his word, a hard worker, loved his family and would do anything to spend time with us. He was a man of little words, but when he spoke we all listened with utmost respect. He was an incredibly gentle man and I never heard him talk negative about anyone. He always saw the best in people. His greatest joy was his family, he even gave up a great career as an communications officer in the Army just so he could be there as his children grew. I thank God I had a father like him. I thank God that He used my father to instill character traits that God requires of me as a believer.
Posted by: Kellie | January 16, 2007 at 12:35 PM
"He believed strongly that it was not just formal teaching that mattered in the spiritual development of children. The daily demeanor of the children's parents mattered even more
-whether they were kind, patient, and generous or impatient, harsh, and critical."
I want to teach my children the gospel not only in my words, but through my "demeanor."
It is much easier to be impatient, harsh and critical. Thank goodness for the Holy Spirit
who continues to teach me how to be kind, patient and generous.
Posted by: Diane | January 16, 2007 at 12:23 PM
The influence in Elizabeth's life and the legacy her parents left her both encourage and convict me. It builds up hope that the little, yet large, things I do are not unnoticed by my children. Yet, I start to wonder if it is ever too late to start a legacy for my children. This book has already provided me with the increased desire to be more open with my prayers, my readings and my faith than my parents were. I'd like to leave my children with the legacy of a relationship with Christ not just a "Sunday christian". As one other reader quoted, "The daily demeanor of the children's parents mattered even more - whether they were kind, patient, & generous or impatient, harsh, and critical." My actions mean more than my words and I pray that God will grant me the strength, the wisdom and the faith to carry through the actions that will leave the greatest legacy to my children - a loving relationship with our Father.
Posted by: Susan | January 16, 2007 at 11:43 AM
My desire is to sew into the hearts of out children the example of prayer. The example of life submitted to God. I want them to know that their mom and dad prayed all the time, about them, about everything, and I want them to grow up seeing all the answered prayer -and walking through the unanswered one's- knowing the character of God. We will be on our knee's much, Lord willing!!
Posted by: stacey | January 16, 2007 at 11:28 AM
My parents were very committed to the local church. They were very active and it was a major part of our lives. I am very grateful for the example that this was in my life. However, we did not spend alot of time discussing or pursuing our Christian growth outside of those walls. My husband and I desire to live purposefully throughout each day. We want our children to understand the importance of God's active presence in our lives continually. His glory in all situations, every day.
Posted by: Diane | January 16, 2007 at 10:58 AM
I often feel overwhelmed by the task of parenting. When I read about people like Elizabeth's parents my tendency is to feel some condemnation because of my own failures. God has shown me just this morning that through the sanctifying process in our home where others know and see all of our weakness Christ can become more beautiful because my children can see first hand His power in my life and know that it comes from Him not any goodness I possess. I pray that the gospel will be gloriously displayed in the life of my husband and I for our children to see as we humbly allow him to sanctify us. And hopefully that is what they will remember most vividly about us.
Posted by: Joy Bice | January 16, 2007 at 10:34 AM
I cannot remember a time in my life when my mom did not seek to regularly rise early in the morning (most times before anyone else was awake) so that she could have her quiet time and seek to serve our family. These quiet times have resulted in much blessing: even in the midst of very tough times and busy seasons, my mom has an evident, underlying joy and strength in the Lord that helps her through each day. My mom has faithfully made our dinners, talked to me and my sisters about our struggles and blessed us with outings and little surprises. While no one is perfect, I must say that my mom has fulfilled her calling as a homemaker and mother in a way that conveys to me that she views it more as a delight and a pleasure than a duty. My mom has sacrificed her career and her life for her family, and I want to be like her in that way.
Posted by: Katie Barnett | January 16, 2007 at 10:24 AM
My husband and I read 2 Timothy 3:15 last week. We are expecting a baby girl in May, and I am praying that, by our example and instruction, the words of this verse will be true for her:
"From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
Posted by: Anita Kay | January 16, 2007 at 09:47 AM
I grew up in a pastor's home, and though we were all sinners, the one thing that stands out to me after all these years was my parents' commitment and love for the church. We lived right next door, and it was only a short walk. I did not feel "forced" to go, but rather a desire to be there often like one would feel about extended family on holidays. Sunday night dinners, youth meetings, and folks from the church always in our home--they were fond memories. And though with much regret I went my own way as a teenager and rebelled, the love for Christ and His church never left me. I am married now and my family and I are tightly woven into the church by His grace. I surely experienced the truth of Prov. 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it."
I thank God for my parents and their influence on me.
Posted by: Andrea Sharp | January 16, 2007 at 09:31 AM
My mother taught me many, many great lessons. Probably the most important is being content and even joyful through very difficult circumstance. I didn't learn til I was an adult and had children of my own that my mother had stayed with my dad through a very difficult marriage. She never talked badly about my dad...and she stayed with him - and JOYFUL - to this day even. My mom is patient, loving, forgiving and kind. I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me my mother and the example I have in her. Oh and she is the BEST Nana in the world to my children! :)
Posted by: Candace | January 16, 2007 at 07:37 AM
I am increasingly aware of just what good parents I have had. My mum is the most amazing example of self-sacrifice and humility to us. Life has not always been easy for her - she married late and was widdowed young - but God has given us a gift in her. Thank You Father God for my mother.
Posted by: sarah | January 16, 2007 at 07:13 AM
One thing that blew me away as a child was when my dad apologized to us when he was wrong. He would explain why he was wrong and how he should have responded. He then asked for our forgiveness and we would pray together. At moments like those I felt listened to, respected, and more aware that adults can make mistakes too… and it's okay to admit it! I could forgive him quickly and forget it. It's made it easier for me to admit my wrongs, and this is something I want to model to my children.
Posted by: Renée | January 16, 2007 at 12:25 AM
My husband and I were just talking the other day about what legacy we would like to leave for our children. We decided that we would like to leave the legacy of the spoken Word of God. In Isaiah 55:11 God says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the things for which I sent it."
Posted by: Sandra Cowan | January 15, 2007 at 10:50 PM
I could go on and on about my mom, but the one thing I will say instead is ~ I have never seen her Bible closed. Enough said!
Thanks be to God.
Posted by: Jayne | January 15, 2007 at 08:55 PM