Be A Legend

This Mother’s Day I got a coffee cup from my daughter that says:

DON’T BE A LADY
BE A LEGEND

Coffee cups with great sayings on them, candles with amazing fragrances, jewelry that has a meaningful edge, and books. They all inspire me. But I love that cup for so many reasons! Especially because when she saw it, she thought… My Mom needs that!

Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against being a lady. However, when I look at female legends, that’s certainly not the first thought that crosses my mind. I think of Deborah, judge over Israel and the one Barak looked to for support in freeing Israel from enemy rule. Or Queen Esther, of whom it is grossly understated to say she was groomed to be the greatest of ladies – a queen, in fact. A queen expected to do the bidding of the king, unlike the former queen. But it was the risking of her life to save an entire people group, her courage to expose the evil plans of the king’s most trusted advisor, that made her a legend. Not being a lady.

Some other favorite legends who prioritized justice and truth were Joan of Arc, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Malala Yousafzai, Harriet Tubman, Abigail Adams, and Susan B. Anthony. These, to name a few, are some of the legends who inspire me. They are women who didn’t cower to social norms, but stood against them, when necessary, even to the point of death at times, because furthering the deeply held beliefs within was more important than their so-called safety. After all, what person is truly undamaged who goes against the convictions of their heart?

Legend-worthy-people are courageous people. They go against the norms placed on them because something inside is calling so loudly for them to reach for that higher purpose. Some people think legends are born, not made. This implies a certain select people are created with abilities that make them great. I disagree. I believe we

have unique strengths and abilities that make us great, and I disagree with the implication that some people just aren’t born to be great. When you are created in the image of God (which you are) and you know it, there are no limitations the world places on you that can restrict His greatness in you. Filling that space He put inside you will likely require grit, perseverance, determination, and courage…but that thing in your heart…it CAN be done! What is that thing? Trust God. Listen to Him. Follow His lead. And you, my friend, may leave being a lady behind, too. You just might be a legend!

Brenda Harkins is an author, speaker, and professional coach specializing in personal, relational and leadership transformation. Brenda believes in impossible possibilities, the joy of family, west Texas sunsets, good coffee, good friends, and the power of God’s love. Not necessarily in that order. Brenda can be reached at brenda@brendaharkins.com and would love to hear from you.