“I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed your Name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy.” – Nicole Nordeman. 

From the time that I was a young girl, I’ve always wanted to be remembered as someone who made a difference in this world.

I’ve always wanted to be a world changer, and live my life in light of something greater than myself—inspiring people and impacting lives for God’s Kingdom. I’ve always had grand ideas and even grander dreams. I’ve always wanted to be remembered for something. I’ve never wanted to leave this world the same way it was when I came into it.

As a teenager, I was inspired by the lyrics of artists like Britt Nicole—who talked about setting this world on fire for Christ. And I was moved by public figures like Bethany Hamilton and Alex and Brett Harris—who dared to defy expectations and be a light in the midst of darkness. I have always been a planner and I have always been a dreamer—not so much for fame and fortune, but for the chance to make a difference, and allow God to use me in some way for His Kingdom.

And to be honest, not much has changed. I still want to make a difference and I still want to be remembered for leaving a legacy, but recently, God has been speaking to me and has helped me to expand my vision of what this looks like.

He’s been showing me what it looks like to make a difference right now, right where I am. 

It is so easy to get caught in the trap of defining impact by something big and flashy. I know that I’ve been guilty of this, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Though we’re called to be set apart from this world (Romans 12:2), it is all too easy for us to define impact by bestselling books and packed auditoriums. It is easy for us to equate ministry with a stage and a microphone, when oftentimes, our greatest ministry takes place in our conversations with the people that we see every day. 

Here’s the thing guys, we are called to make a difference with our lives for His Kingdom. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” As Christians, God calls us to the very thing that is already a desire for so many of us: to make a difference. Sometimes this may look as simple as following God’s still small promptings, choosing to mention our faith in a conversation or offering to pray with a friend who is going through a hard time.

If you want to make a difference and make an impact in this world, you don’t have to wait until you graduate and have your dream job. You don’t have to write the next hit Christian song. You don’t have to write a bestseller. You don’t have to be a pastor, a teacher, or a missionary. All that you have to do is show up where God leads you. All that you have to do is live your life for God and love people fiercely—the way that Jesus did when He was on earth.

Each one of us has the potential to make a difference.

And each one of us can start right here, right now, right where we are. 

Here’s a new song by Josh Wilson that I believe sums up the topic of this post perfectly. If you guys have anything you’d like to add, feel free to comment in the section below! I’d love to hear your thoughts!