Legacy Amidst Christian Tradition

Legacy building is uniquely personal to each of us. We all have different moments in our history that make us into who we are. When we try to be someone else, we fail. But when we take the legacy that others have given us, and we develop it into our own, our story and life shine brighter. Our impact on others grows and God is honored by us fully growing into who we are meant to be. 

That’s what happened for me at a very unexpected time and age over forty years ago. 

For years when I was young, it was our tradition as a family to attend Redland Valley BIC Church’s Maundy Thursday foot washing service. In remembrance of this day when Jesus washed his disciples feet after they sat down to the Last Supper - this meal that became a church symbol and the cornerstone of our present day act of communion - the men and women in our church would separate into two rooms and prepare to do as Jesus did. 

What did Jesus do? 

He sat down with those He loved and ate and then He gave his disciples a picture of what was to come. His body would be broken and blood would be spilled.  

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” - Matthew 26:26-29 NIV

Then Jesus did the unthinkable. He washed the disciples feet. He was their teacher and their leader. This wasn’t normal. Those of a perceived lesser value never experienced this kind of treatment. They were exalted while He humbled Himself. 

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. - John 13:3-5; 12-17 NIV

Back in that room at my church, around 7 years old, I sat beside my mom and watched as the ladies in the room knelt in love and humility in front of each other and gently placed each foot in the water bath, cupped their hands to bathe the pair of feet, dry them off, and gently place them on the floor. It was fascinating to me. 

But then something strange and wonderful happened. An older lady, Valeria, who was my Pal in the church (kind of like a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor but run by the church), stopped in front of me with the basin of water. She knelt down and began to wash my feet! Me! A child decades younger than her. I knew very little about life and she knew what it meant to grow as a disciple of Jesus and become like Him. She was my living example of what it looked like for Jesus to wash his disciples feet. In that humble act, she exalted me. 

This was my first taste of what it meant to humble yourself to a younger generation. It is something I strive for especially with my kids. I don’t always get it right, but I want them to see what I saw so many years ago - A woman who loved God, was deeply steeped in Christian understanding, and who chose to pour her legacy into a younger generation. She created growth in me that I wouldn’t fully understand until I grew in age and wisdom. 

That picture of Valeria kneeling in front of me with the basin of water is forever etched in my mind. And when Maundy Thursday comes, I remember it. Through that simple but purposeful act, her legacy has now become a part of my legacy. 

It’s our job to continue the legacy others have given us, make it our own, and pass it on.

Searching for wisdom and asking for grace, 

Jody