Leaving A Legacy – A Sidebar

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged…” Proverbs 17:6a (ESV)

As I write about leaving a legacy, a Story of God’s Goodness has burst upon the scene regarding a legacy in my life. This is a living illustration of legacy leaving.

The Bible teaches that grandkids are the crown of the aged. Anyone and everyone who is a grandparent know the truth of this Bible verse. Children are incredible, but grandchildren are uniquely wonderful.

This verse became a greater reality to me when my oldest granddaughter, Keila Asaoka, graduated from Maranatha High School. I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker at the Commencement Ceremony held at Lake Avenue Congregation Church. As a bonus, they asked Keila to introduce me to the 3,000 plus parents, grandparents, family members and friends gathered to celebrate the Class of 2017.

Allow me to be a proud grandpa for a moment and share what she said:

“I have the awesome privilege of introducing a very special guest.

He has been the senior pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley for forty years! He coached the Maranatha girls volleyball team for over ten years, helping lead them to their FIRST (and only) CIF championship in 1987. He even helped coach girls’ basketball for a few years. He has been a mentor and father figure, not only to student athletes, but also to faculty like Mr. Rouse and Coach Rivas. He was a member of the search committee for our current head of school, Dr. Sherman.

 He has had a RICH history with Maranatha the past thirty years not only as coach, but also as parent and now grandparent. He is a humble servant leader, loves Jesus and always makes family a priority. He is a man of integrity and the most generous person I know. (Thanks for always making sure my Starbucks app is loaded so I can treat my friends and siblings.) 

It is with great pride and joy, that I introduce…my grandpa...The Reverend Cory Ishida.”

After she introduced me, I shared that her introduction was the best introduction I have ever had in over 40 years of ministry. It wasn’t just the words and thoughts she shared; it was the fact that she is my granddaughter. After all, she is one of the crowns in my life and part of a grandpa’s legacy.

God has been good to me over the course of my lifetime. The blessings have been many. My heart echoes the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

As I think about Keila introducing me with poise under pressure (a value I teach as a parent and a coach), I cannot help but think about legacy leaving. I feel so proud and so blessed.

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone)!