Legacy Writing: Memoirs, Autobiographies & Biographies

The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.”  
~LesBrown, Inspirational Speaker~

LEAVING A LEGACY

There is a burning desire inside of me to leave a legacy for future generations as old age creeps up on me like an angel beckoning me home from a place not too distant. Even though, in my humble opinion, the story of my life pales in comparison to the lives of others who have done big things in the world, I do love to boast about the Lord and what He has done in my life.[1] Perhaps that is the reason the Lord called me The Prophetic Scribe, and why the ministry he has entrusted to me is based on Revelation 12:11.[2] I am passionate about authentic, transparent communication that uplifts and encourages others.

In my opinion, the Testimony of Christ is the best evidence of God’s presence and work in the lives of believers. In addition, the Testimony of Christ is the spirit of prophecy.[3]  I love the fact that when we share our testimony it can be like a seed or fertilizer in someone’s life to encourage them to grow, heal, and even pay the blessing forward by sharing their personal story of victory as well.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND A MEMOIR

If you’re like me, the idea of writing your autobiography may seem like an insurmountable task. However, recently the idea of writing memoirs has become more intriguing.  So, I did some investigating to find out what the difference is between an autobiography and a memoir.

Basically, a biography [written by someone else] or autobiography [written by the subject] tells the story of a person’s life, while a memoir often tells the story of abparticular event or time, like life changing or monumental events or turning points from a person’s life.

ARE YOU THE HISTORIAN IN YOUR FAMILY?

In the past, there was usually a person in the family that had an interest in preserving the family history. They actedbas a historian to preserve the legacy of the family. Items like photographs, marriage certificates, birth and death certificates, newspaper clippings and artifacts (items of sentimental value) are some of the items that families preserve for their descendants.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DOCUMENT

Sometimes, stories were passed down through the generations orally through storytelling. [See our article about The Art of Storytelling].  Family historians can utilize phone and video cameras to record, store files, compile and edit, documentary style, ro preserve stories for future generations or to use for family events like reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries. 

In addition, older people that may have limited eyesight or arthritis may find the voice typing or voice commanding feature offered in word processing programs and apps useful for a more hands-off documenting experience.  If you have a desire to preserve your family history, I suggest interviewing older relatives to document their stories.  Visit The Prophetic Scribe Writers Forum for Writing Prompt Suggestions and to purchase the Memoir eBook to begin documenting your family history today.

#thepropheticscribe


[1] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him
glory in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:31 KJV

[2] And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and
by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelation 12:11 KJV

[3]  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said
unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that
have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the
spirit of prophecy.  Revelation
19:10 KJV

Arletia Mayfield is the visionary founder of TPS Publications, a company committed to offering primarily digital, downloadable resources and tools for ministry. These resources are designed to creatively convey the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

More Posts

I Give you Praise

Worship Flag Ministry by Arletia Mayfield to I give you praise by Chicago Mass Choir.

Arletia Mayfield Bio

Arletia Mayfield aka The Prophetic Scribe is the visionary founder of TPS Publications, a company committed to offering primarily digital, downloadable resources and tools for ministry.

Thank you for visiting The Prophetic Scribe Magazine.  We hope you are inspired by something here. Please bookmark this site, visit us again and tell your friends about this ministry/ business.

Your product purchases help support the ministry of The Prophetic Scribe. In addition, as affiliates, we may receive a small commission when you shop through links on this page.  There is no additional cost to you. It just helps us a little with the expenses involved in making this content available to you.

We also accept non-tax deductible donations for those of you who were blessed by something here or just want to support this literary ministry.  A portion of all donations and income are paid forward to help support other charitable organizations. 

We appreciate any support that you are willing to give.  We thank you in advance for blessing us. 

#thepropheticscribe