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YOUR LEGACY BEGINS TODAY: 3 Ways to Leave a Mark Across Generations
- Valarie Harris
- Jun 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 5
What if I told you that the most important thing you will ever build isn’t your resume or your reputation but your legacy? That’s right—legacy isn’t simply what you leave behind; it’s what you leave within others. Celebrities, CEOs, and the wealthy do not reserve it for themselves.
Legacy is for every woman bold enough to live with purpose and invest in the generations who come after her. In this post, we’ll explore the concept of legacy, learn from three remarkable women of the Bible, and uncover three practical ways you can begin cultivating a lasting impact today. By the end, you’ll have actionable steps to walk in faith, empower others, and build a life that influences you long after you are gone.
Defining Legacy: Influence, Impact, and Identity
When we hear “legacy,” many of us think of large estates, museum exhibits, or monumental achievements that outlast a lifetime. However, the Bible offers a richer and deeper understanding. Legacy is not about how many awards you accumulate or how much money you amass. Instead, legacy is how you influence others, the impact you make on hearts and minds, and the identity you impart to the people in your circle—your family, friends, mentees, and community.
“What you do now echoes beyond your lifetime.”
—Dr. Valarie Harris
True legacy emerges from the everyday choices we make how we treat others during challenges, the values we model in ordinary moments, and the faith we display when trials come. If someone were to describe your life story, what would they say? Would they speak of your unwavering faith, your kindness in times of sorrow, and your bold decisions in moments of doubt? Or would they remember missed opportunities to pour into the next generation? This is why legacy isn’t just a future goal—it’s a present-day commitment.
Lessons from Three Women of the Bible
To understand legacy in action, let’s delve into the stories of three biblical heroines whose lives continue to inspire women everywhere.
1. Esther: Courageous, Purpose-Driven Leadership
Esther was a young Jewish girl who became queen of Persia. At significant personal risk, she boldly approached the king to save her people from destruction. In Esther 4:14, her cousin Mordecai reminds her that she may have become queen “for such a time as this.” Esther embraced that divine assignment, demonstrating that legendary moments of purpose often call us out of our comfort zone. Her legacy is one of boldness—she spoke up when justice and freedom were at stake. Today, Esther encourages us to recognize the opportunities God places before us and to lead with courage, even when the stakes are high.
2. Ruth: Loyalty, Redemption, and Faith
Ruth was a Moabite widow who chose loyalty over-familiarity. When her mother-in-law Naomi urged her to return to her homeland, Ruth declared,
“Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Her unwavering devotion led her into an unfamiliar land, where Boaz redeemed her and became part of the lineage of King David—and ultimately, of Jesus Himself. Ruth’s story teaches us that loyalty and faith can transcend cultural and generational boundaries. By honoring those who came before us and trusting God with our future, we lay the groundwork for a spiritual heritage that echoes across time.
3. Deborah: Bold Leadership, Wisdom, and Worship
In a male-dominated society, Deborah rose as a prophetess and judge of Israel. She led the people in battle with a God-given strategy, singing a victory song that still resonates today (Judges 5). Deborah’s leadership was neither loud nor brash—it was rooted in wisdom, courage, and worship. She exemplified what it means to lead from a place of faith and to empower others through godly example. As a “mother in Israel,” Deborah reminds us that authentic leadership often comes in unexpected forms: it’s a posture of humility, a willingness to listen to God, and a commitment to instruct the next generation in ways that honor Him.
Each of these women didn’t merely write a footnote in Scripture; they modeled principles of legacy—courage, loyalty, faith, wisdom, and worship—that continue to shape our world. Now, let’s translate their stories into three practical, actionable steps you can take right now.
3 Practical Ways to Build Your Legacy Today
1. Mentorship: Pour into Someone Younger Than You
“When one woman rises, she lifts generations with her.”
Mentorship is one of the most powerful vehicles for building a legacy. Just as Ruth honored Naomi and Paul mentored Timothy, you can invest in someone younger—perhaps a daughter, a niece, a student, or a peer—and guide them toward God’s purposes for their life. Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about sharing your journey, praying faithfully, and walking alongside someone as they face uncertainties.
Action Step: Identify one person who needs your guidance. Schedule a 30-minute meeting or Zoom call this week. Ask open-ended questions like:
“What dreams are you chasing right now, and what obstacles are in your way?”
“How can I pray for you?”
“Which of my experiences do you think would be helpful as you navigate this season?”
Tip: Keep the conversation consistent—check in at least once a month. A steady presence builds trust and multiplies your influence over time.
2. Storytelling: Share Your Testimony
Your life story is a gift. When you share the trials you’ve overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, and the ways God has carried you through, you create a bridge for others who might be walking the same path.
Action Step: Reflect on one pivotal moment: a time you overcame fear, endured heartbreak, or pivoted in your career. Please write it down as a short narrative (no more than 300 words). Then, commit to sharing it:
Post on social media (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn) to reach a broader audience.
Tell it personally to someone who might benefit—perhaps a mentee or a close friend.
Tip: Include Scripture or quotes from spiritual mentors that reinforced your faith. Weave in any practical steps you took so your story becomes both relatable and instructive.
3. Living Consistently: Model Your Values Every Day
Legacy isn’t only crafted in big moments; it’s forged in the small, everyday choices. How you respond to disappointment, the words you speak when nobody’s watching, and your daily pursuit of spiritual growth all have ripple effects.
Action Step: Journal your responses to current trials. Ask yourself:
“How am I treating others during challenging seasons?”
“What values am I consciously modeling today—kindness, patience, integrity, faith?”
Tip: Set a weekly reminder to review your journal entries. Celebrate small wins (such as choosing grace over frustration) and identify patterns that require adjustment. As you consistently live out your values, you’ll inspire others to do the same.
Reflection Questions & Next Steps
Before you go, grab a journal or a fresh sheet of paper and answer these three prompts:
Who am I mentoring right now?
What will my life story teach the next generation?
What values am I modeling every single day?
Take 5–10 minutes to write down your thoughts. Prayerfully consider where the Holy Spirit is nudging you to act—whether that’s deepening an existing mentorship, courageously sharing your testimony, or refining the way you live out your values.
Join Me at the EmpowerHer 2025 Summit
Are you ready to accelerate your legacy journey? I’m thrilled to invite you to the EmpowerHer 2025 Summit: Creating Cross-Generational Impact! Mark your calendar and secure your spot:
Date: June 21st, 2025
Location: In-Person https://bit.ly/4azvIwR
Highlights:
Inspiring keynote sessions on faith-driven leadership
Mentorship circles and breakout rooms for real-time coaching
Workshops on storytelling, generational wisdom transfer, and spiritual growth
Fellowship with like-minded women committed to lifting one another
Register today and invest in a transformative experience designed to set you on a path of greater influence and impact:
Register Now for EmpowerHer 2025 Summit
Free Legacy Reflection Guide: Your Gift to Build Generational Impact
As a token of gratitude to our Stepping Out community, I’ve created a Free Legacy Reflection Guide packed with journaling prompts, exercises, and tips to help you make the three steps—mentorship, storytelling, and living consistently—an everyday reality.
Download your free guide here: https://bit.ly/4ksY7Jk
Download the Legacy Reflection Guide
Let’s Stay Connected
If you ever need personal support—whether it’s prayer, coaching, or simply someone to listen—I’m your girl. Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me, and let’s pray through any obstacles and strategize your next steps:
Book Your Free Consultation
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Stepping Out with Valarie Harris, for weekly messages, practical tips, and spiritual encouragement. Gather your friends, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s grow in faith together!
Watch the Entire Episode
A Final Word of Encouragement
Right now, you may be thinking, “I don’t have much to pass on.” I want to stop you right there: You have more than enough to pour into the next generation. Your faith, your pain, your victories, and your daily walk with God all carry lessons that others desperately need. You are somebody’s answered prayer. There is a young woman somewhere who needs your story to find hope. There is a peer who needs your wisdom to overcome a struggle. A future leader is waiting for your encouragement to take her next bold step.
Remember: Your legacy begins today—in every little choice you make. Step out in faith, share your story, and invest in the hearts of those who follow. When one woman rises, she lifts generations with her.
I believe in you. I’m praying for you. Let’s build our legacies together.
In faith and purpose,
Dr. Valarie Harris
Stepping Out with Purpose, LLC
Empowerment Coach · Business Consultant · Speaker
P.S. Don’t wait—register for the EmpowerHer 2025 Summit and download your free Legacy Reflection Guide now. Your purpose-driven legacy is waiting to unfold!
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