The Journey of Building a Family Legacy

[Focus on the Family]

I’m convinced God’s design for families includes thriving individuals united around a shared identity across multiple generations. That’s family legacy.

Here’s how families build a multigenerational legacy:

1. Understand God’s purpose for family
2. Define a family identity through shared vision, mission and values
3. Shape a family culture of celebration and generosity

Let’s talk about these phases.

Understanding the Purpose of Family​

Throughout the big story of the Bible, we see that God intends for families to have a lasting influence for generations.

God ordained families as the first organized social unit. His purpose is for the members of the family to support each other, to teach the next generations God’s deeds and commands, and to impact their world.

Embracing this purpose leads families to pursue their unique calling, their family identity.

When a family is clear on their shared purpose, they live it out through intentional practices that shape their family culture.

Often, as a family digs into issues around legacy, they find it helpful to invite an experienced advisor to guide them through key conversations and equip them for success.

Define your Family Identity​

The family must know who they are, what they stand for, what they value. And then they need to align what they do—how they spend their time and money—with their values. This does not happen by default, so let’s dig in to identifying values.

• Discuss your values
  Families who rally around shared passions are far more likely to endure and prosper. These can include things like: Faith. Service. Generosity. Freedom. Integrity.
  
  To identify your family’s values, it’s helpful to get input from each member. The wisdom you gain as you start the process will only grow as you continue.
  
  
• Share a vision and mission
  Creating vision and mission statements for your family is an exercise that can set the tone for how your family lives out values individually and collectively.
  
  Committing to a common purpose helps align everyday priorities and guide decisions for the future.

Create a Family Culture​

Family culture is the way the members of the family tend to relate to each other, approach problems and work toward goals. Every family has a culture—either by default or through intentional planning and practice. I recommend investing in these key areas in your family.

• Share the wealth of stories
  Stories have so much power to communicate in a memorable way. Stories connect the generations. Each member of the family realizes they belong to a larger story. Consider the range of stories you have to share:
  • The outlines of your family history
  • Moments of failures or triumph
  • How you’ve seen God’s faithfulness
  • Experiences that formed your values
  • Great joys or sorrows
    
• Celebrate family members
  Use the power of ritual to celebrate achievements and milestones.
  • Establish regular times of showing honor to each other, such as expressing qualities you appreciate about a family member during a birthday meal.
  • Establish traditions that celebrate what you value most.
  • Choose to acknowledge and honor one another, even in your differences.
    
• Learn to give together
  Practicing generosity together is a powerful way to come together as a team around their shared values and mission. Families who give together find opportunities for:
  • Learning together
  • Conversations about values
    
• Growth in caring for others

by Bill High, ©2021


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