THE GREATEST INHERITANCE

THE GREATEST INHERITANCE
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 by Dr. Mel Tavares

Categories: devotional / GUEST AUTHORS / TUESDAY'S TREASURE

PLEASE WELCOME

DR. MEL TAVARES

TUESDAY’S TREASURE

"A good person leaves an inheritance to their children's children..."

Proverbs 13:22 NIV

One afternoon, one of my grandchildren asked me a question that caught me off guard.

"Grandma, how do you know God is real if you can’t see Him?"

Children have a way of asking the simplest questions

that require the deepest answers.

For a moment, I paused. I could have offered a theological explanation or quoted Scripture. Instead, I found myself talking about a lifetime of experiences. I told my grandchild about prayers God had answered, difficult seasons He had carried me through, and countless moments when His presence had been unmistakably real in my life.

As our conversation continued, I realized something important.

The most valuable thing I will ever leave my children and grandchildren

cannot be found in a bank account, investment portfolio, or family heirloom.

It is my faith.

When many people read Proverbs 13:22, they immediately think of financial inheritance. Certainly, providing for future generations can be a blessing. Yet Scripture points us toward something even greater. A godly inheritance includes faith, character, wisdom, values, and a spiritual foundation that can influence generations long after we are gone.

Every generation leaves something behind.

The question is not whether we will leave a legacy.

The question is what kind of legacy we will leave.

Will our children and grandchildren inherit a faith that has been lived out before them? Will they remember hearing us pray? Will they know the stories of God's faithfulness in our lives? Will they see integrity in our actions, kindness in our relationships, and perseverance during difficult seasons?

These are the treasures that cannot be purchased.

As I reflected on my grandchild's question, I was reminded that

strong families are not built by accident.

They are built when faith is intentionally transferred from one generation to the next. Children and grandchildren learn what matters most not only from what we say, but from what we consistently live. They watch how we respond to challenges, where we place our trust, how we treat others, and whether our faith remains steady through life's ups and downs.

This intentional passing of faith is at the heart of building family legacy. Long after material possessions have faded, the spiritual foundation we leave behind can continue influencing generations. Every prayer offered, every Bible story shared, every act of kindness modeled, and every testimony of God's faithfulness becomes part of an inheritance that cannot be measured in dollars.

The strongest families are often those where faith is not merely discussed, but demonstrated and passed lovingly from one generation to the next.

The beautiful thing about spiritual inheritance is that it does not require wealth, status, or influence. Any parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, mentor, or caregiver can pass along a legacy of faith. It happens through everyday conversations, shared experiences, answered prayers, and consistent examples of godly living.

No one can guarantee the choices future generations will make. Each person must ultimately choose their own path. Yet we can faithfully plant seeds. We can tell the stories. We can model the values. We can point the next generation toward Christ.

That afternoon, my grandchild's question reminded me that someone is always watching, always listening, and always learning from the example we leave behind.

One day, the greatest inheritance my family receives from me will not be something they can hold in their hands. My prayer is that it will be a faith they can carry in their hearts.

ABOUT MAKING FAMILIES GREAT AGAIN

American families are in crisis, and Christian households are not exempt from the crisis. This book does a deep dive into research and gives 2025 data on what is happening in families, in schools, and on the Internet. There is a mental health crisis amongst today's youth, including those being raised in good homes and in church. Readers will find answers on how to respond to the challenges of today's youth culture. Numerous resources are listed, including podcasts, books, and websites.

Per Pam and Bill Farrel, directors of Love-Wise Ministries:

"Make Families Great Again" by Dr. Mel Tavares is a beautifully balanced blend of biblical wisdom, solid scientific research, and practical life application. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Tavares equips parents with thought-provoking insights that are both timeless and timely. This well-researched and refreshingly down-to-earth volume offers real solutions for today’s families. I highly recommend it to every parent seeking to build a strong, healthy home.”

Sandra Kay, Chambers, Founder of the Five-Minute Parenting Podcast, says:

"Dr. Tavares shares many statistics and real-life stories on the detrimental effects of our rat-race lifestyles, our declining public school education, internet influences, youth culture, etc. But she also offers parents hope despite these
obstacles by giving them ways to counteract the negative influences. As a parent, grandparent, and former teacher myself, I highly recommend this book as a resource and guide to help parents navigate today’s cultural challenges."

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Families-Great-Again-Tavares/dp/B0F8W35WQK/

MORE ABOUT DR. MEL TAVARES

Dr. Mel Tavares is an award-winning author of books, articles, devotionals, and short stories. She is the Acquisitions and Managing Editor of Arise Daily, a digital daily devotional, and 2025 recipient of the Award of Excellence given by the Evangelical Press Association (EPA). Dr. Mel is also the recipient of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) 2025 National Member of the Year award.

Mel holds a Doctor of Ministry and has 35 years of experience working with families in education, rehabilitation, and ministry. Mel is a frequent event speaker and media guest.

Her latest book release, ‘Make Families Great Again’, is being used as a tool to sound the trumpet across America, alerting parents and grandparents to the truths of today’s youth culture. The book was awarded first place at the 2026 Christian Indie Awards, held in Alabama.

Mel is aligning her messages with America's 250th birthday, and she welcomes opportunities to speak and help parents and grandparents decode today’s youth culture and develop action steps to protect their families.

She and her husband live in Middletown, Connecticut. They have seven adult children and eleven grandchildren.

Resources can be found on her website: https://www.drmeltavares.com/ or you can email her directly at drmeltavares@gmail.com

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