Have You Ever Wondered?

By Shannon Nelson

Have you ever questioned if you were enough?
If the life you live truly matters?

I think about the lyrics of a song I’ve often heard at funerals:
“May the works I've done speak for me.”

But honestly, when I hear those words, I don’t just think about the end of my life—I think about right now.

Have you ever considered your purpose or your gifts?
Have you ever wondered if they were enough—or if they made a difference?

I have.

Truthfully, it’s only recently that I’ve begun to understand that what I once thought was “just me” being me... is actually a gift.

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Bible speaks about the body of Christ and how every part is important. It shares how each of us has a gift. Some may be visible, and others may be hiding in plain sight. But no matter the role, all are necessary.

Sometimes, it’s the unseen or seemingly lesser parts that hold the greatest significance. For example, you would rather have a well-functioning stomach than a head full of hair.

(If you haven’t already read 1 Corinthians 12, do it. I recommend The Message Bible version—it’s enlightening.)

Reading it reminded me of a question my mother once asked me. She wanted to know if what she did—if the life she lived—truly mattered. Did her service make a difference? Had she done a good job?

I was shocked.
How could she not see how amazing she was?
Didn’t she realize the impact she had on me, my siblings, and my father?
Couldn’t she see herself through my eyes?

But in that moment, I was only thinking about our family.

When my mother passed away, I had the opportunity to learn so much more about her impact on others. For days, weeks, months, and even years later, people shared stories with us—stories of empowerment, self-love, marital advice, discipleship, wisdom, love, and hope.

Immediately after her funeral, a childhood friend visited me. We sat for hours, reminiscing about our youth. She recalled how she would come to our home between church services—back when we had church all day: Sunday school, the 11 o’clock service, and then back at 6 p.m. In those in-between hours, she’d join us for dinner.

We laughed, we remembered—and then she said something that astonished me: "You know, your mom would message me on Facebook. She’d tell me how proud she was of me—how well I was raising my children, how faithfully I was serving the Lord and my community."

I had no idea.

Suddenly, I understood why my mom spent hours on Facebook at night. For years, it was a running joke in our family—if we saw her online, we’d say, “Mom’s at work.” We laughed because she was always on, yet never seemed to like anyone’s posts.

About a year later, my sisters and I were invited to an event. My mother had been part of a sisterhood organization, and during the event, they took time to honor some individuals. One of them was my mother.

We listened as people shared how she had sent handwritten cards, called to check in, prayed for them, given Godly counsel, shared wisdom, and even lovingly corrected them when needed.

At our home church, a young woman spoke about how my mother had taught her how to be a lady. She recalled how Mom had gently advised her to place a handkerchief on her lap when wearing a short skirt. She spoke of conversations about foundational garments—things like slips, girdles, and the importance of pearls. My mom believed in teaching women how to carry themselves with grace and dignity.

Mom didn’t do it for recognition—she did it for God’s glory. Everything people shared, we already knew was true—because that’s exactly who she was to us.

“May the works I’ve done speak for me.” 

That song plays in my head when I think about my mother.

Her works spoke for her.

And now, I have to ask: Who is waiting on you?

Stop wondering if you are enough—you are.
Stop overthinking how everything will work out—just take the first step.

Write the blog.
Make the phone call.
Enroll in school.
Lead a small group.
Sit with a friend.
Be a listening ear.

You may think that your role is too small to matter, but I’m telling you—it matters.

God has given you a gift, and it is not meant to stay hidden.

I, too, have questioned whether I’m making a difference.
Whether I’m supporting others enough.
Whether I’m doing enough.

As a matter of fact, I’m operating in my gift right now—writing this blog.
I am an encourager.

But this isn’t about me.
This is about you walking in your gift.

So be like Nike—just do it.

Because someone is counting on you.

You have value.
You are enough.
Now, get to work.

I pray that you find the courage to take the step—so that the work you do, and the life you live, will speak for you.

We often compare ourselves to famous or outspoken people, thinking that if we don’t have a title, a high position at work, or financial success, we don’t have enough to give.

But hear me:
God has given each of us a gift, and it is valuable.
The body—this world—cannot function properly unless you use that gift.

So stop being afraid.
Stop listening to the enemy.
Get to work.
Fulfill your purpose.

Because the world needs you.

I pray that our Father in heaven has shown—or will show—my mother the gift she was, and still is, to this world.

I share this not just to honor my mom—though she was truly a virtuous woman—but to tell you this:

YOU MATTER.

The Legacy Lives On….