Family Heirloom
For Women by Women
Submitted by Trish Williams
June 20, 2025
Ps 44:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
Upon reading this verse, God drew my attention to the word “heirloom.” Not because it is in the verse, but because it is speaking of passing down something from generation to generation.
We know the term “family heirloom” to be something passed down, connecting the family to its history and/or heritage. It may be something with a sentimental attachment, like a recipe, shovel, or wedding gown. Or perhaps, something of great monetary value, such as family property established five generations back.
While all of these can be precious and dear to our emotions, they have limited value as they are not eternal. The forces of nature and actions of evil can snatch them from us in a moment.
The author of this Psalm communicates a priceless family heirloom which we should be passing from generation to generation – that of stories. Not just stories with no purpose, other than for entertainment, but recollections of the mighty works of God in our life. Prior generations were telling the current generation of what God had done during and for their lives in years past. A sharing of history (His-Story) with a purpose and eternal value.
In the remaining verses of this chapter I saw six areas of spiritual value that the hearer had gleaned from that which had been passed down to them from previous generations.
The mighty works and power of God upon, as well as for specific groups of people.
The hearers were encouraged, strengthened to go on in the hard times, and to not turn back.
They were reminded of their own weakness, and the only source of strength in life is God.
That it is He to Whom words of praise and honor should be given.
When there was a victory, it was because of Him, not that of themselves.
They were humbled and cried out unto God, as their source of help.
My heart was challenged to think of the heirlooms that have been passed down to me – what was their real value, and of what real benefit would they be to my great grandchildren?
The best heirloom that we can pass to future generations is us sharing our testimony of the mighty works of God on our behalf that they might be taught and encouraged to walk in the ways of the Lord.
Consider – Don’t wrestle with the pigs. You both get dirty, and pigs like it.
