The Legacy of Carrie Fisher (1956 - 2016)
Even if you're not a Star Wars fan, you've at least heard of it. You're probably familiar with names like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and even Chewbacca. It's easy to see now, in hindsight, how popular the Star Wars series was, and still is. However, when making the original film, it's hard to imagine the director or actors knew just how big of a franchise it would become.Here we are decade’s later, mourning the loss of one of the film's original cast members. You may not know the name Carrie Fisher, but my guess would be you do know the character she portrayed.
Any guesses? Yep, Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia.
If you haven't heard, it was announced yesterday that she passed away. Immediately following the news of this tragedy, people from around the world started to update their statuses, post pictures on Instagram, and text their friends with the news; Princess Leia/Carrie Fisher died.It really makes me wonder... Do you think that Carrie Fisher had any idea how many people cared? Did she have any idea how many lives she touched? Did she think she would make headline news? Do you think she ever considered something she did in her 20's would be leaving a mark on society even after she passed away? Here's something to think about, the first 6 Star Wars movies total less than 15 hours in length combined. If you look at the screen time for Princess Leia, it's even less.
Related Post: Grace Wilson (July 3, 1922 – March 31, 2015)
Somehow, in just over half a day's worth of time, this person/character left a mark on our culture that, even after her death, will continue impact the lives of millions of people.
The question to ask yourself is this; What will your mark be?
The Bible is packed full of people who went against the grain. People who dared to say Jesus is Lord instead of Cesar is Lord. One of the obvious examples of this is Paul. He wrote the majority of the New Testament (which would probably be news to him) and is considered by many the greatest believer who ever lived.In my mind, the craziest story about Paul is a story that doesn't even directly involve him. It's a story that shows his impact. Not just his physical, but his spiritual. Paul was being used by God in such a way, people were passing around things he had touched and those things were healing people. Which is crazy in itself, but it get's crazier...A group of Jews were trying to cast out demons in Acts 19 by saying "in the name of Jesus which Paul proclaims" The demons responded with "I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul, but who are you?" Paul had such a legacy, even the demons heard of him enough to know who they were talking about!
Paul's legacy was faithfulness.
Paul was supposed to be dead multiple times from lashings, being stoned and life in prison. At some point the enemy had to realize nothing they could do would make him stop worshiping and following Jesus. He was even quoted telling others, "You have not resisted to the point of shedding your own blood."Paul through all his own trials remained faithful to Jesus and to people around him. He still ministered to churches, worshiped openly, and brought people to salvation all while in prison. He didn't let his circumstances dictate his direction. Paul was constantly a man who did not live for himself but for those around him. We are clearly still feeling his effects today over a thousand years later.
Leaving Your Mark
If today was the last day to make an impact for you, what would it be? Would that impact last beyond today? Would the world be better off that you were here? Would your community be improved by your presence? Would your family be inspired by your faithfulness behind closed doors?The demons weren't familiar with who Paul was because he was a celebrity. They were familiar with him because when attack after attack doesn't stop him from preaching the gospel, eventually they have to ask themselves, who is this guy and why doesn't he quit?Paul never knew his faithfulness would reach the length it has. He probably assumed like most, he would be remembered for his sins and not for his salvation. But the kingdom doesn't work that way. The devil wants to remember your sins, Jesus doesn't. The devil wants to condemn you, Jesus doesn't. The devil wants to humble you, Jesus doesn't.With all that said, I have one last question: