Keep the Faith: 'Legacy is not for the elite or famous people. You are your own legacy'

Graduations sentiments echoed over the past few weeks from various academic levels. Many will be venturing into a new world of independence and new careers they have aspired to for years. For some, they will be making history by becoming the first in their family to graduate. Some may be uncertain about their purpose in life. Celebrations grand or small will recognize their efforts and hard work. As I reflect on my own journey, I recall the many dreams and aspirations I had many years ago and those held today. Some dreams have happened, some transformed, some in process, and others did not happen. However, the process, I am committed to the end.

As I grow older, I think about the legacy I want to leave my children, grandchildren and generations to come. I am more aware of the power of a dream and the importance of leaving a legacy behind, whether personal or professional. I think of those who were responsible for my early upbringing to the individuals who impact my life every day. At times, humbled and in awe that despite life’s twist and turns I am still standing by the grace of God. I am grateful for this season of life and excited for what is to come, choosing wisely meaningful opportunities and areas to serve.

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As we celebrate the 140th anniversary of the church I currently serve in this month, thoughts of transformed dreams come to mind. I cannot help but pay homage to the sixteen founders who immigrated from the south and united together, bringing a small community together to worship in 1884. On Feb. 4, 1885, they secured a church building and named it Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Six years later, they became incorporated. The current name, John Street Baptist Church, reflects the location of the church that still exists today.

The church has had seventeen pastors, including our longest serving and current Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Hughes Jr. This summer will usher in his 41-year servant leadership. A legacy maker in his own as the first President of the Worcester Black Clergy Alliance, Inaugural member of the Police Clergy Alliance, Protestant Chaplain for the Worcester Fire Department, among other achievements and service in the community. He and his darling wife Grace serves the community with enduring love and humility.

I had no idea that I would share history with dreamers and legacy makers such my Pastor and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who preached at the church when he was a student at Boston University and captivated the world with his famous, "I Have a Dream" speech. Former member and renowned cyclist, Marshall W. “Major” Taylor, whose legacy includes the Major Taylor Boulevard, Major Taylor Museum, and a statue erected at the Worcester Public Library. There are many others too numerous to mention.

Legacy is not for the elite or famous people. You are your own legacy. Life interruptions will happen. Disappointments may come. Dream killers may squash your ideas, vision, and goals. There will be others with similar ideas, but you are uniquely you! What God has gifted and birthed in you is for you to impact the world, not anyone else. Abandon negative thoughts that threaten your vision. Failures strengthen and sharpen your skills. Dust off those old journals and vision boards. Wake up those dormant dreams you have put aside. Treasure the small beginnings and experiences. Stay present. Read and learn new things. Reject distractions. Give back and serve your community.

Your legacy is everything you can imagine it to be and more. It is the embodiment of who you are. Your core values, family, family, the lives you have impacted, your smile that brightened someone’s day, your laughter, and all accomplishments that made the world better because you were born. The lasting impact on your community and those whom you serve. If you can perceive it, it can become a reality.

Make it a priority to take care of yourself. Self-care is self-love, it is not selfish. Remember to treat others with dignity, kindness, and respect. Approach every opportunity with good character and integrity. Include God in all your planning from beginning to the end. Answer the spirit within you that beckons you to stir up the passions within you. Go fearlessly and forge the path you have dreamt. Your helper is on standby. A prayer or conversation will do.The Rev. Gizel Hampton is an Associate Pastor at John Street Baptist Church in Worcester.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Keep the Faith: Leaving a legacy that impacts generations to come