Legacy . . .

Ray Lewis is retiring. Today could be the last time he plays professional football. It is the last time he will play in front of his city – Baltimore. I’m not a Ravens fan. To be honest when I hear Ray Lewis – I remember him being charged with a double murder in Atlanta in 2000. Shame on me! When I asked my students how they felt about Ray Lewis retiring there was a mixed response. I don’t really know how well 15 – 17 year olds can understand what it means to retire.


I asked them why they thought he was retiring, kind of like, why now? One of my students explained that he had done some research and discovered that Ray is retiring because he enjoyed spending time with his sons while recovering from his torn triceps injury. He son, a senior at a high school in Florida, has also received a full-ride for college. In an article, his son said, “Dad said if I got a full ride, he would be there.” He is going to be there.


Ray mentioned the sacrifice his children have made while he has played football for 17 years in Baltimore. How they have lived without their dad in their lives. He decided he is going to spend time with them. I say, “Kudos.” And I mean that. I’m not being sarcastic in any way at all. I love when men, and women, chose family!


Ray Rice, another Ravens player, said, ““Mentally, he has raised me over the last couple of years. My locker is right next to his, and I just can't picture Baltimore without him. He has kids, but I was one of his kids.” – Baltimore Sun.


Yes, Ray Lewis was accused of a double murder 12 years ago. Ray’s legacy is so much bigger than that. He has founded charitable organizations in Baltimore and Florida. He loves his kids. He has mentored many professional football players, coaches and young people. He provides school supplies for underprivileged children. He has done a lot for the city of Baltimore, the Ravens and the NFL.


What kind of legacy will I leave?  This question never really goes away from me. It's something I find myself pondering often. Today more so because of Ray Lewis.

On Thursday, one of my students asked me something about my funeral – which is odd – as I’m not sick. But I explained how I wanted to have a song by the Crabb Family playing, “Ain’t No Grave (gonna hold this body down)” and then have the casket rigged so that I would sit up. She wanted to know if I would be singing one of my trig songs when I sat up, so I said yes.


The more I think of that interaction, the happier it makes me. She knows me as her trig teacher and she thinks that is where my passion is. The students in my youth group think that my passion is with them. The truth is my passion is letting people see Jesus. That means doing my best for my master in every situation. I think that when people around you believe that they are the most important person to you when they are there – that you are being Jesus to them.


Jesus loved unconditionally. He made people fell loved. He made people feel valued and important. He didn’t compromise his standards or values, but he loved everyone. When He was with someone, He was there. He wasn’t checking His cell phone, planning His next trip, reviewing His schedule. He was with that person.


Even when He was one the way to heal a man’s daughter and the crowd was following Him. He felt power go out from Him and acknowledged the woman who had touched the hem of His garment. (Matthew 9: 18 – 26) Even when He arrived at the man’s house to heal his daughter, he had the distractions, non-believers removed. He made people feel special.

I’m not trying to connect Ray Lewis and Jesus here. I’m considering legacy. What will be my legacy? What will be your legacy?