This week 20 years ago, many of you may recall waking to the sad news of the death of the mother of William and Harry – Diana. Princess Diana came to public attention following her engagement and subsequent marriage to Prince Charles.
The Royal Wedding was watched by more than 20 million homes around the UK and 750 million around the world. Princess Diana was known as the ‘People’s Princess’, loved by everyone for her kindness towards those most vulnerable in society, including the homeless, those living with AIDs, and those facing some of life’s challenges – she also became known as one of the greatest Ambassadors.
Princess Diana’s separation and subsequent divorce from the Prince of Wales, came as no surprise to the public as for many months the relationship between the Prince and Princess had been visibly strained.
It was after leaving the Prince that Diana submerged herself into the work she did so naturally and genuinely, as an Ambassador. One of many noticeably acts was Diana touching the hand of an Aids victim, which served to help dispel fears that HIV/Aids could be passed on from person to person by touch.
20 years on, Princess Diana’s death is surrounded in mystery as there are many unanswered questions. However, despite all her good work, Diana’s greatest legacy has to be the two young boys, now grown men, she left behind. Both sons, William and Harry have inherited their mother’s natural ability to do their part in highlighting the plight of those who are disadvantaged, as well as bringing to attention the concerns of climate change and such likes.
Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” All parents, be they biological, godparents, grandparents, community parents – all need to think about the legacy we leave behind. Not limited to finances, we need to think about character, trustworthiness, citizenship, and responsibility.
Billy Graham sums it up in this, ‘the greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith’.
This week, as we continue to pray for our children and grandchildren, let us examine the legacy we plan to leave behind.
