Growing Older, Reaching 2 Generations: Why I’m Grateful for the Gift of Legacy | Proclaim News

Have you ever noticed how easily people make fun of getting older?

For much of my life, I was very aware of my age. Sometimes I even felt ashamed of it. Nobody wants to feel old, and nobody wants to be reminded that time is passing.

But now that I’m over 50, I see it differently.

Age is a gift from the Lord.

Every year represents another opportunity to experience God’s grace, to look back and see His faithfulness, and to keep serving the people He places in front of us. Growing older is not only about what is behind us. It is also about the legacy God allows us to continue building.

Recently, I was reminded of that in a special way at church.

A little boy interacted with me during one of our memory verse lessons. We were teaching the children from 

Ephesians 6:10–11:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

The big truth we wanted the kids to understand was simple: God helps us stand firm when we stand on His Word.

It was a meaningful moment on its own. There is always joy in helping children understand Scripture and connect faith with everyday life.

But this moment meant even more because I also taught that little boy’s mom when she was younger.

That really struck me.

God has allowed me to teach not only one generation, but now a second generation. I once had the opportunity to encourage his mom in her faith, and now I get to help her children learn about God’s Word too.

That little moment reminded me that getting older is not something to be ashamed of. It is something to be grateful for.

The Gift of Multi-Generational Ministry

One of the greatest joys in ministry is seeing truth passed from one generation to the next.

We may teach a child a Bible verse today without fully realizing how God will use that truth years from now. That child may grow up, start a family, and bring their own children into spaces where they can learn the same gospel, the same Scripture, and the same faithful God.

That is legacy.

Legacy is not about making a name for ourselves. It is about faithfully planting seeds of truth and trusting God to grow them in the lives of people, families, and generations.

I am grateful that God has allowed me to keep teaching. I am grateful that He has allowed Proclaim Ministries to continue helping kids and teens connect faith and life. And I am grateful that, Lord willing, I may get to continue encouraging even more generations in the years ahead.

We Are Doing This Together

I also want to say thank you to everyone who supports Proclaim Ministries.

I do not like to think of you as simply donors. You are Proclaim Partners because you are partnering with us in the work God has called us to do.

Your generosity helps us create Bible-based resources, teach children and teens, equip the adults who disciple them, and continue reaching families with the truth of God's Word.

When a child learns Scripture, when a teen is encouraged to live for God, or when a parent or ministry leader is equipped to disciple the next generation, you are part of that story.

This ministry is not something I am doing alone.

It is an us thing.

Together, we are helping children and teens know, love, and live for God with confidence. Together, we are building a spiritual legacy that can extend far beyond what any of us may immediately see.

Watch the Moment That Inspired This Reflection

In the video, I share the sweet interaction with this little boy that reminded me of the privilege of teaching two generations from the same family.

It is a simple moment, but it represents something much bigger: the faithfulness of God, the joy of continued service, and the beauty of investing in the next generation.

Watch the video and celebrate with us what God is doing through Proclaim Ministries and through the faithful partners. 

Thank you for partnering with us. Thank you for helping us reach generations. And thank you for being part of the legacy God is building through this ministry.

Together, we are helping the next generation connect faith and life.