This Monday is a federal holiday. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on your name and legacy.
In Maryland, the holiday is called “Presidents’ Day.” Several states call it that. As do many (most) Americans. Forgive the pet peeve, but it’s disappointing and disrespectful that they do so.
The holiday we observe this Monday was never meant to be a generic celebration of all U.S. presidents. The federal government still officially recognizes it as Washington’s Birthday—a day set aside to honor the life and legacy of George Washington, the father of our nation.
That is as it should be.
Yet, in many places, Washington’s individual legacy has been blurred, diluted, or even forgotten. That is a shame because Washington’s life is worth remembering. But, alas, such are the shallow times in which we live. Nevertheless, my purpose isn’t to rant about that. It’s to address the subject of legacy – and then to ask us to confront our own.
A Tribute from a Man Who Knew What It Meant to Build a Legacy
When George Washington died in December 1799, he was mourned by people across the country. One of the most remarkable tributes came from Bishop Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
Allen was born into slavery in 1760 but gained his freedom and went on to become a pioneering minister, abolitionist, and leader in the Black community. He and other people of color in Philadelphia had faced discrimination in white churches, so in 1794, they formed their own congregation—Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first church of what would become the AME denomination.
Allen understood both the promise and the hypocrisy of America—a nation founded on liberty while still tolerating slavery. And when Washington died, Allen did something remarkable: he praised the man while not ignoring the stain of slavery on his legacy.
“He Dared to Do His Duty”
Allen wrote of Washington:
“This man, whose memory can never die, has by his unparalleled prudence and patriotism, under the guidance of a divine providence, preserved the United States of America from the threatening strides of arbitrary power and oppression.
“Unbiased by the popular opinion of the state in which is the memorable Mount Vernon—he dared to do his duty, and wipe off the only stain with which man could ever reproach him.”
That “only stain” was, of course, slavery
Washington was a man of his time—a slave owner for most of his life. But Allen gave him credit for making the last act of his life a statement against slavery. In his will, Washington arranged for the gradual emancipation (and continued support) of his slaves, ensuring that they would be freed after his wife’s death.
This was not common among Southern slaveholders. In fact, many of Washington’s peers considered slavery either a good thing or an unavoidable necessity. But as Allen noted, Washington chose to do his duty rather than follow popular opinion.
Does that erase the stain? No. The stain remains. But Washington faced it. He acknowledged it. And in the end, he sought to do something about it.
What About You? What About Me?
Washington’s life reminds us of an important truth: We will all leave a legacy, for better or worse.
We cannot change the past, but we can decide how we live right now. Proverbs 22:1 says:
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Your name—your reputation, your integrity, your character—is more important than your career, your possessions, or your achievements.
None of this is to suggest that your salvation depends on your works. Our salvation is based on God’s grace, not our efforts. But we are still called to good works (Ephesians 2:10).
We All Have Stains. What Will We Do About Them?
Washington’s legacy includes bravery, leadership, and nation-building—but also the stain of slavery.
What about us?
What are the stains on our legacy? Would it be pride? Greed? Broken relationships? Compromise? A failure to speak up when we should have?
The good news is that it’s not too late.
- We can ask God for forgiveness (I John 1:9).
- We can repair relationships.
- We can make things right.
- We can choose character over convenience.
- We can build a legacy worth remembering.
Washington didn’t get everything right. None of us do. But in the end, he dared to do his duty and left the world a little better than he found it.
Let’s strive to do the same.
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You are a great Pastor and so spot on with history and words. Keep writing Pastor.
Tom