I am working on a new devotional book about spiritual legacy with Tyndale Publishers. The book is tentatively titled “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith.” Inspiring stories of past faith will inspire us to live our faith today in ways that will impact our families tomorrow.
I need your faith stories.
Why Spiritual Legacy is Important
Our faith today has been shaped by the stories of great biblical heroes like Abraham, Rahab, Ruth, and Paul. We have been encouraged by other great faith leaders through history like John Newton, Elizabeth Elliot, and Billy Graham. And more personally, our faith has been shaped by our parents, grandparents, and other ancestors who lived for God.
Scripture reveals the great value of knowing our family history, specifically our faith roots. Genealogy lists get lots of ink in the Bible. The well-known Hebrews “Hall of Faith” shows us how knowing the faith story of those who’ve come before us can strengthen and encourage our own faith walk. The Bible also calls us to join the ranks of these heroes of the faith. To pass our faith to our children, and to teach them about God and His ways. (See Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:4, & 2 Timothy 3:14-15)
The 52 Heirloom devotions will weave stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Each devotional reading will also offer practical spiritual insight to help us live out and leave a legacy of faith for her family.
Will You Help Me?
Do you have a family faith story you could share with me? Perhaps a parent, grandparent, aunt or distant cousin lived out their faith in ways that significantly impacted you. Or, maybe an ancestor who lived and died before you were even born left a legacy of faith that ran through your family to you. You may even have a story from your own life that shows how your faith is impacting your family. “A Legacy Prayer from My Great-Great-Grandmother” is a sample from my own life.
Interested in helping? You don’t have to worry about fully writing the story. I’ll do that so all the devotions in the book will have the same feel, the same voice, and similar length. I just need you to tell me the foundation of your story. You will get to review the written version and give your approval. (Note: If your story is chosen for inclusion in the book you will receive a copy of “Heirloom.” There is no monetary compensation or attribution for the stories. This is not a compilation. I am simply looking for real-life illustrations for the devotions.)
Ready to share? Click through to this form and fill out the details. If your story is chosen for inclusion in the book, I will contact you for more details. Thank you for your willingness to help!
Who in your life has had the greatest impact on your faith?
Hi Kathy,
Did you get all the faith stories you needed? I just saw this post, so I’m a bit late.
Hi Marilyn! I’m still looking for a few!
Hi Kathy, I reached out to my 90 year old Great Aunt (my grandfather’s sister). She is working on a story for me. Sadly I offended her by asking the question “Were my great-grandparents (whom I did not know) believers?” Yes, I was raised to go to church as my Mother and grandparents were but that doesn’t make us believers. My grandparents lead by example but didn’t share their faith in words only actions.
Thank you for helping! And sadly, you’re right. Church attendance doesn’t always mean someone is a believer…
Here is an an excerpt from what my Great Aunt sent me: Sunday morning we spent in Sunday School. My Father was sometimes Superintendant and also had duties as Church Treasurer. My Mother taught Bible teaching to a class of young boys, and later teen lads. She had been a school teacher previously, and principal, and had 3 young lads of her own, so she was capable of handling them. As the years went by, World War 2 broke out and this was life changing for everyone.. Several of the young men of her class joined one of the Armed Forces – Air, Sea and Land – and my mother did not leave them – she faithfully wrote letters to them, (her own sons too) and received as well, even one who was captured and taken to Concentration Camp in Germany. I know she did her utmost to keep their Faith alive through the worst of times. Through the later years she would receive thanks from “the boys” for being a devoted teacher and one able to share her Faith .