Hey there, and welcome back to our Sunday Legacy Letters series. If you’re new here, these letters are a space where we step back from the daily grind of real estate and numbers to talk about what really matters: the values, stories, and spirit we leave behind for our families and our communities.
Today, I want to get a little personal. People who are close to me often joke, “Brett, you’ve never had a real job in your life.” Now, when I hear that, I have to laugh because, in a way, they aren't entirely wrong, but it’s also not the whole story. I did have a "real" job once. I worked at a small convenience store for exactly three months during college. I absolutely hated it. Every minute felt like an hour, and that was my one and only experience with a traditional 9-to-5 life.
The rest of my career has been spent in the world of sales. I loved the flexibility and the ability to make my own hours, but more than that, I loved the entrepreneurial spirit it required. Sales isn't just about moving a product; it’s about understanding people.
The Science of the Face
Early on in my professional journey, I became a student of human behavior. I delved into books and took courses on sales psychology. One thing that particularly intrigued me was the importance of body language, especially facial expressions. I learned how a slight tilt of the head or a micro-expression could tell you exactly what a customer was thinking before they ever said a word.
But something shifted when I embraced Christianity and became active in ministry. I started noticing that people weren't just using body language to negotiate deals; they were using it to hide. I saw how people in pain would put on a "brave face" to mask their inner turmoil. I saw how fear was often tucked behind a forced smile.
One day, in a moment of deep prayer, I asked God for something bold. I prayed for the ability to see into people’s hearts. I wanted to move past the surface-level masks and truly understand the people I was ministering to.
I’ll give you a piece of advice: be cautious about what you ask for, because God has the power to grant it.
A Heavy Burden and an Extraordinary Gift
Following that prayer, a change occurred. As long as I spent time in prayer and immersed myself in God’s Word, I found that I could look into someone’s eyes and discern the state of their heart. It wasn't like a magic trick; it was a spiritual weight.
I started seeing things I never necessarily wanted to see: deep pain, darkness, suffering, and hidden struggles that people worked so hard to keep buried. It became a heavy burden to carry, but it was also an extraordinary gift. When I sat down with someone one-on-one, I didn't have to guess if they were okay. I could see the truth in their eyes.
There is a reason people say, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” We spend so much time on our outward appearance: what we wear, how we style our hair: but our faces truly reflect the state of our minds. While we can’t always change the features we were born with, we have complete control over the expression we carry.
The Face of God and the Mirror of Sin
In the Bible, specifically in Psalm 104, the writer talks about the joy of beholding God’s face. There is a profound peace in being seen by the Creator. Conversely, the Psalmist speaks of the terror that arises when God hides His face from us.
We see this clearly in the story of Adam and Eve. Before sin entered the world, they walked with God openly. But the moment they disobeyed, the divide was created. They could no longer look at God. They tried to hide in the brush, experiencing a sudden, sharp terror because they knew they could no longer face Him. Sin makes us want to turn our eyes away. It makes us want to hide our true selves.
Who Are You Looking At?
Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to understand someone, observe their five closest companions”? It’s a common concept in personal development. We tend to become like the people we spend the most time with.
In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded by images of celebrities, athletes, and influencers. We admire them, and consciously or subconsciously, we start to emulate their looks, their speech, and their behavior. But if we find ourselves truly captivated by Jesus: if we dedicate time to reading His teachings and sitting in prayer: something incredible happens. We gradually start to be molded into His likeness.
Building a Legacy of Reflection
At Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), we talk a lot about legacy. Usually, we talk about it in the context of homeownership and financial stability. Our mission is to help military families, veterans, and Gold Star families build a permanent foundation.
We do this through our Hometown Hero Credit, which is a non-profit program. This isn't just a discount; it’s a 2% credit up to $21,000 based on the loan amount (not the sales price). This credit is a tangible way to say "thank you" for the sacrifices these families have made.
But beyond the financial "tangible act of gratitude," there is the spiritual legacy.
What Do They See?
Today, I want to challenge you to take a moment and reflect on the people in your life: your spouse, your children, your coworkers, and the strangers you pass on the street.
When they gaze upon your face and peer into your eyes, what kind of reflection do they see?
Do they see your stress? Your frustration? Your "entrepreneurial hustle"? Or do they see a reflection of something higher?
If we are spending our time with the right "companion": with Christ: our eyes should reflect His peace, His compassion, and His love. When a veteran comes to us at Operation T.A.G., often carrying the weight of their service and the stress of a move, I want them to see more than just a guy offering a $21,000 credit. I want them to see the image of Christ in the way we serve them.
Our goal is to turn gratitude into action, one story at a time. Whether you are a real estate agent looking to help your clients or a veteran looking for your next home, remember that the legacy you leave isn't just about the houses you buy or the money you save. It’s about the reflection you leave in the eyes of everyone you meet.
Take a moment today to check your reflection. Are you looking like the world, or are you looking like the One who created you?
Make it a great Sunday.
Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
A 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF
Contact Information:
Websites: www.OperationTAG.org and www.HometownHeroCredit.com
24-hour Information Line: 760-456-8748
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