I have always been a person who does not believe much in the phrase “YOLO” (You Only Live Once). I always thought people would remember me for the school I go to, my parents, my siblings and my lifestyle in the future. This was until I came across a video that talked about a couple that lost five children in a house fire. This story seemed quite cliché based on the many stories I heard of house fires in the US. This was up until the funeral service; when the mother of the five said her eldest managed to get out of the house before the fire became wild but, upon realizing his other siblings were still inside, he ran back into the house. Unfortunately, he didn't make it.“He was a true hero” is what his mother said and so did everyone who spoke after her.
Maya Angelou once said “If you’re going to leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” What would people think of me if God took me home tomorrow? The word "legacy" focuses on what will endure and what we will pass on to the next generations for their success.”
During the course of the week, I stumbled across a photo of my late paternal uncle, Andrew Kataryeba, and when I gazed at his photo, tears of despondence cascaded down my visage. I felt like I was seeing a person I had known for years; a man who had only known me for nine months; before he passed on. In early 2018, my family celebrated ten years after his passing. I believed I did not need to cry at the memorial service, after all, I had not known him long enough to. When the hour for speeches came, I heard every speech clearly and I kept hearing the one constant phrase “Lived a good life”. It just kept replaying in my head over and over again later during the night. I felt like it was a calling to speak about the word "Legacy".
When I am asked about my late uncle I say he was a great man, even though ironically I had not had a conversation with him. I am told that he was hardworking and achieved a lot during the years he lived. My uncle loved me so much, that at birth, he gave me the name of one of his closest friends Kenganzi. The name Kenganzi is honestly my favourite name of all my names Abigail Nimurungi Kenganzi because he gave it to me.
As a part of my family’s way of carrying on his legacy, every 27th December (Before Covid-19), we have a sports tournament dubbed “Kataryeba Memorial Cup”, that we host in Rwenyangyi, Rukungiri, my hometown. Many people may ask "why sports?" As a family, we believe sports is a way of bringing people together to fellowship. This tournament brings people from all walks of life together. For the first session, there is usually a preacher and we encourage people to give their lives to Christ. At the end of the tournament, we give out awards to the respective players.
As a family we took on another initiative to give back to the community by constructing a health centre for the people of Rwenyangyi: Kataryeba Health Center to serve the locals who have no health facility within an eight-kilometre radius. If there is one thing my family has taught me is that I should never miss out on opportunities to serve and bless others. I always long to bless the people around me, just like my uncle did as a tribute to his legacy that will always be remembered.
This year, my resolution is not to question death and the loss of loved ones… rather it's to live my life like the lives of those who have gone to be with the Lord - even better. I know you are probably thinking “Why now? Why not when you are forty? Or fifty? Maybe thirty?” As the years have gone by, like the story of the eldest son who went back for his sisters yet still had a long life to live, I am reminded that I am not too young to leave a lasting, impactful legacy.
Fruitful lives begin with contentment about who we are and about the unique gifts God has blessed each and every one of us with because knowing our value makes us complete and leads us to our ability to bear true fruit, that we use to bless others and expand God’s Kingdom.
I personally would want to be remembered as a woman after God’s own heart, a woman who spreads the aroma of favour, and a bright star just like her name: Kenganzi .
"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come."
Just like Jesus, may we live legacies of forgiveness, kindness, humility and perfect love.
Psalms 145:4 (NIV) “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
Well done my dear.Thanks for reminding us about the importance of honoring the values of leaving a Legacy.
At the end of the day people will not remember your achievements, salary at age, the school you went to, or curated social media feed. As humans we understand people (e.g how much we want to be around them, if we like them.) based on how they make you feel, not based on what they did. 💞🙏🏾✨✨✨
Diviya Robin.
Deep and powerful! Thank
Lovely and inspiring piece my daughter Abigail.........it's a good reminder for us all to pursue a life of legacy
What a powerful message! This is a call to reflect on my own life. Thank you