1996 and 1997 were really difficult years for me.
A few months into my junior year (which was 1996), my mom got a teaching job in Dallas and we moved three hours away from Abilene, where we had lived for almost four years. I was the new kid at a new school for the sixth time in sixteen years. I hated it. I wanted to move back so I could be with my friends (and my first real romance…a senior named Nathan who made amazing Cherry Cokes at the IHOP where he worked).
When I enrolled, I learned that since I had been on the honors track my first two years in high school, I could actually graduate early – I would just have to take two English courses to get the four required English credits. That meant I could graduate as a junior.
As I entered into my last semester of high school in the Spring of 1997, I was in and out of an abusive relationship, was still lonely from moving, and had nowhere to turn.
It was also that semester when my senior English class had a student teacher from a local university. His project for us was to keep a journal every day for that semester.
My journal entries started out more like a diary:
“Went to school. Skipped third and fourth period. Went to work. Did homework. Went to bed.”
“It’s my brother’s birthday. I forgot.”
However, we didn’t just keep the journal in class. We read literature and we studied grammar and we wrote an endless amount of book reports. And I don’t remember the context, but at some point mid-semester, the student teacher said something in class that I’ll never forget.
“When you feel something, no matter how good or bad it is, feel it as deeply as you can. And remember it. Write it down.”
After he said that, something magical happened.
I started writing poems.
Abstract, moody, emotive poems.
And those poems — they set me free.
They helped me process my emotions.
They helped me heal.
They probably saved me.
After I graduated, I didn’t stop. I kept writing. I have journals full of poems and prose that carried me through so many seasons – good and bad. Some of the poems you can find here.
And I still write. I feel something deeply and I write about it.
Not because I have to…but because somewhere along the way, I fell in love with words.
Words have become my life.
And it all goes back to the words from this teacher.
In a month or so, I may get a chance to see him after thirteen years. I’m speaking about an hour away from where he teaches.
And it would mean the world to me to tell him how grateful I am for the way he taught us.
I really think if he wouldn’t have assigned us that journal project, and if he wouldn’t have said that thing about feeling deeply, I would probably be an engineer or a police officer or in retail or business.
All of which are respectable careers, but in the end, they weren’t for me.
This blog wouldn’t exist.
My books wouldn’t exist.
My heart – in the way that it feels things so deeply (maybe too deeply at times…but that’s okay with me) – wouldn’t exist.
This teacher had a tremendous influence on me, although it’s taken thirteen years to fully realize it, now that I do, I just want to tell him…
THANK YOU.
So I’m curious.
I am blessed more than I can ever tell you with amazing, supportive parents, so they are the biggest influences in my life.
But, I would say the Senior Pastor under whom I still serve, saw possibilities in me that I never knew existed. I have been under his leadership now for 14 years and have accomplished things I never thought possible.
Still it takes a husband’s support to allow me the freedom to explore the areas others have encouraged me to – for 32 years he has been my greatest cheerleader – never jealous or worried about what my successes might cost him in time and attention. I am blessed.
Lori Biddle?s last blog ..what I learned today
This was a beautiful post, I hope you get to meet your teacher.
Several years ago a friend sent me an e-mail out of the blue, encouraging me to write. She thought I might be good at it. Since that e-mail, I have not been able to stop thinking about writing, God has used that e-mail to reawaken old dreams. I may never be published, but I am writing and my life is better/deeper for it!
Thanks for writing this post and sharing your teachers advice – it has blessed me today.
Megs?s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Daddys come in handy when you’re tired of walking!
I enjoyed reading the tribute to the teacher who sparked the talent within your life. This Ozarks farm chick would have to say my maternal grandmother influenced me the most. She lost her husband at the age of 45 back in 1952. She took in welfare children who could not be placed in the normal foster care program. These children often had severe mental and/or physical problems. It they found a child that they felt would not live (trash can babies,etc) they would place it with my grandmother to nurture back to health. This became her living and her passion. I never ever heard a negative word flow from this dear lady’s mouth. She also was the Queen of Spunk. She could be found playing in the sandbox with the great~grandchildren. She once turned somersaults just to hear the laughter from my infant son.
I grew up with a passion for children. I am a retired special ed instructor. I have taught Sunday School for as long as I can remember and am the Kid’s Church leader at our local church. I am that grandma who jumps in the boxed and really plays with the grandkiddos. This farm chick has become the woman I am due to that precious lady I was blessed to call Ma, my grandma!
As we say here in the hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa, ya’ll have a wonderfully blessed day!!!
Mine has to be my Dad.
From 6 days old he took me outside and dedicated me to the Lord to today where he is still helping me, teaching me, and giving me grace he has influenced me and helped me become the man I am today.
He is a counselor, and I always thought that was a bad thing to have for a dad because he always was analyzing me, but he always was able to separate the counselor side of him and the dad side of him.
He has greatly shaped my life.
My high school small group leader. When I was struggling with porn and depression, we barely knew each other- but he grabbed me by the hand(figurativley) and didn’t let go until I was out of it. He also encouraged me to go after my dreams, unlike alot of people in my life that wanted me to go after the safe route- though I knew that God had something better for me.
My life wouldn’t be near as cool if I didn’t have Brian in my life.
David?s last blog ..What God?s teaching me:
My grandfather (mother’s dad0. My dad was mostly absentee in many things. I believe he had lost his heart long ago when he was a boy growing up in an abusive situation. But my grandfather stepped in and filled that gap. He was a spiritual mentor to me, even before I knew what that meant. He helped me understand my father’s way of doing and being. He led me to church, fostered a love for God and the Word. He laughed with me and knew that he prayed for me. I am who I am today because of my mother’s influence but mostly because of him.
Bill (cycleguy)?s last blog ..Is There a Famine in the Land?
I can think of different people who impacted me in different times in my life, probably because I moved so much all over the country. My youth pastor in junior high challenged me to be in my Word everyday. My Dad showed how to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit at a real young age. My pastor I work for now really empowered me in evangelism. My wife challenged me to be a man of integrity. I have been really impacted by different authors over the last several years as well. Great post, Anne. Thanks.
Gary Durbin?s last blog ..Word Wednesday .::78
Mine has to be the cousin who continued to present the gospel to me for several years. I stood against “organized religion” and thought Christianity was a bunch of hypocritical goofballs. My cousin never gave up and one night, in my home five years ago as a 26 year old, I met Jesus Christ. That night has changed my life completely…I am actually a student pastor now sharing the gospel. I am so thankful my cousin allowed God to continue to work through him until the work was complete…thanks for the post; It reminds me I need to thank him again
Two people actually: my father, and Ellen Christopher.
My father for having the spiritual sensitivity to listen when God moved him to challenge me to stop wasting my life, and to do something significant.
Ellen (my kindergarten teacher, church pianist, and life-long encourager) for praying for me daily since I was 4 years old. She also called me out on running from God, and challenged me to “make an impact”.
Thanks for the reminder.
It’s amazing the people God has brought into my life at just the right times ove the years. I just recently wrote about one of them:
My life fell apart- friends died, my church was torn apart, and I was diagnosed with depression. A friend reccommended a woman who was currently in seminary to become a licensed therapist. Our first meeting was at the local coffee shop and I walked in and was surprised to see a woman I had seen before but dismissed her as someone I wanted to know for various reasons.
That first meeting was awkward because I was feeling guilty about having dismissed her when I had seen her around before. But slowly she broke through and during the next 18 months saved me. That sounds so dramatic, but the truth is, her counsel and wisdom helped me work through psychological and spiritual things that were threatening to destroy my faith, and had all but succeeded.
I still talk to her when I?m struggling with old demons, which isn?t often, but she will forever have one of the places among the top 5 people who have impacted my life.
These are all such beautiful stories. Thanks for sharing them and I can’t wait to read more.
Interesting. Very interesting. Just this morning in my devo I went through an exercise remembering key points and peeps along my past who have influenced me. Then I read this and I have to confess this causes a bunch of weird emotions for me. You see I don’t want to admit that others influence me. I want to say that I am my own man. I hate being dependent upon others. I want to take care of it all by myself. Then there is this reality that others have deeply impacted my life and furthermore without their influence who knows what kind of hot mess I’d be. Four people stand clearly in my mind. First, my parents. Incredible models of Christian faith and commitment. Not super humans by any means. Just steady, devoted and humble people. That’s the house I grew up in! Mike Miller, my youth pastor growing up and now currently the pastor of the church I moved over 200 miles to help start. A spiritual leader, friend, guide, mentor. I don’t give him the credit he deserves for the influence he’s had on my life. And then my wife. Her belief in me is sometimes the only thing that keeps me from completely packing it all up.
Amazing. Thanks for forcing the issue!
Kenyon?s last blog ..Why?
I would say that one of my best friends whom I have known for almost eleven years has left a mark on my heart that is so defining it is part of who I am today. I met him in the first days of law school in 1998 when I was not a Christian. I thought he was a complete nerd and not very bright. Boy was I wrong in my assessment of him. He still is kind of nerdy–but I like nerds–but he is one of the brightest people I have ever met to this day. And in those first days of law school, I could never have imagined the influence he would have on me today.
He was one of the first people to really show me what it meant to be a Christian (I had several Christian friends growing up but all I could focus on was their hypocrisy). And after he talked to me for many, many years about his faith and showed a great deal of love toward me, I became a Christian almost six years. And when I decided to convert to Orthodoxy, he was one of the few people I worried about telling because he is Pentecostal, and the two traditions are quite different. Nonetheless we remain very, very close to this day. I talk to him every day on the phone, and he is one of the few people I can talk deeply with about matters of faith. In addition, he often knows me better than I know myself, and I am not afraid to take criticism from him. And he makes me laugh, and he also is there for me when I break down.
So I truly am grateful that God brought him into my life. I sometimes regret having gone to law school, but obviously God had a plan for us to meet–and for this person to have a huge influence on my life.
There have been several key people who have shaped the path my life has taken and greatly influenced who I am today. Each played a very crucial role, each helped save my life. It’s impossible to say who had the most influence/impact… but in thinking about it right now, there is a common thread to the way each of these people helped.
They were Christian, they loved me even though I was broken, they helped me find my way to Christ by loving me with the love received from Christ, and in that, the most influential person in my life has been revealed… Jesus. He influenced them, He influenced me through them, and He continues to influence me today.
Excluding parents and pastors that would be Simpson Hill, a fellow student in the third grade. His handwriting was masterful and I found that I could copy his style. That led to a focus on writing and especially lettering, which brought special attention and eventually jobs. It wasn’t only Simpson’s handwriting but also his character. He met his challenges cheerfully which affected my attitude. I am finally, ever so slowly beginning to write about things that matter to me.
The love affair with letters has been reinforced over the years by entering contests and learning how to set type by hand. Understanding typography helped with design work and although I went into the Architecture Field, I probably should have stuck with the writing from the start.
What this makes me realize is that having a mentor or someone that will encourage is extremely valuable. I didn’t have either one which is probably why it has taken me so long to get started.
Mine has been my mother. As I have struggled with anxiety my mother has always come along side me with prayer and encouragement. She has been understanding & never judging me. One day in heaven Ill know the power of her prayers. She has helped me believe that this does not have to stop me from living a full life as she has been able to through her own struggles.
My parents, bar none. They inspired my foundation of Humility & Respect. You can strip all my other Qualities, but you cannot and will not take my Humility & Respect.
I am praying that you get to meet your Teacher, Anne. As one of your biggest fan’s, I am grateful for this gentleman, too.
xo
Reese?s last blog ..Prayer SOS
my seventh grade & senior english teachers both told me that i am a talented writer, & encouraged me to take risks. this gave me such confidence in my passion, & i remember their words with such gratitude!
Christ invaded my life while I was incarcerated in Texas, and used a book by Merlin Carruthers (Prison to Praise) to introduce me to the gospel. I was 26, a stereotypical child of the 60s, Vietnam, drugs, etc…had never been in church, had no idea who Jesus was…even though I later felt there was much in the book that was, ah, extrabiblical; it contained the gospel that the Spirit of God used to set me free.
Following parole I attended a now-defunct Bible school operated by now non-existent Kansas City Youth for Christ…the founder of KCYFC, Dr. Al Metsker, continues to influence my life/ministry; as does the prof, Dr. Dale Potratz.
My first ministry experience was volunteering for the KCYFC…our Jr. High club used to meet in the Ronnie Metsker’s basement & backyard…loved that experience!
Most definitely it was my youth pastor. When I was in middle school, he saw something in me (or pretended to) and started treating me like a leader. Before long I started to believe it. I started investing in people because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do. During this time I discovered a real love for relational leadership. Granted, I’m nothing to write home about even now, but anything in me that is good owes a bit of gratitude to that youth pastor.
Anne, I have a similar story from college. I was 1.5 semesters into a computer science major that I didn’t understand. I was failing classes in my major. I had no interest in what I was studying, and I felt like I was only in that program because it was a major my parents chose for me when I was in 6th grade and I had to fulfill their expectations.
I had an English class where we had to write a letter to the prof every week. He kept telling me that what I was telling him was superficial and kept getting a B+ for doing so. One day, I decided to let loose and spill the whole thing–my unhappiness with my studies, my anger towards my parents for putting me on this track, and my frustration with getting D’s and F’s after being in National Honors Society in high school.
I finished the letter saying that I wished I could start all over again with something else, and his only comment was, “Why don’t you?” with the first A that I had received on one of those assignments.
I still got kicked out of school for academic probation after that semester, but the English class was the only one I passed and attended with enthusiasm. While on probation, I decided to go through career counseling, changed majors, and graduated with a degree in English and technical writing. If it wasn’t for that prof, I would probably still be flipping burritos at Taco Bell wondering where the promise in my life went.
Russ…what a great story. So glad you shared.
My comp 2 professor. She was always praising my work and encouraging me… she convinced me that although I was not the greatest math/science student in HS, I could do whatever I wanted. So I got my Biology degree :)
I have to say two people, I simply can’t choose between them. First would be my mom. Despite all of the rough times we’ve been through and the countless fights we’ve had, at the end of the day she understands my heart better than almost anyone. She gets a part of me that most of the world doesn’t. For that, I am forever grateful, and the older I get, the more I appreciate it.
The second would be a college professor and my academic advisor. I was an education major, and he was the one who inspired me to tackle the world of Urban Education head on. He was also the one to help me work through realizing perhaps God was leading me in a different direction when I was ready to graduate. That perhaps what had been my life, my passion for five years wasn’t the path God has designed for me. I also got seriously sick in the middle of my Junior year of college and without the support of a teacher like him I’m not sure I would have stuck it out. Dr. D, as we called him, is someone whose wisdom and guidance will never be forgotten.
Anne, the most influential person in my life has been YOU. With so many many years my husband being a Senior Pastor, the fact of the matter is that we GAVE out so much. My husband was a twenty/four seven Pastor and knowing it wasn’t a great idea to get angry about it because he wouldn’t change. That was his passion. When you authored Mad Church Disease, we raced to the computer each day to see when it would be published and ready to purchase. I’m not saying we were the first ones to get it, but possibly close to it (I hope). So, on page 152 you gave the answer to my life’s struggle, answers, and peace to a problem I had been having and was carrying anger from a friend of mine who keep feeding me extreme criticism about my husband being that way.
I read Principle 4: Create boundaries…..I knew what boundaries were, but that page stuck out like no one’s business and I began giving myself boundaries re: my friend and had to end up putting strong boundaries when she would call, talk, send cards….after I put up the boundaries you talked about, I felt and still do feel so emotional health. It was exactly what I needed and I have you to thank and am extremely grateful for you Anne Jackson! You are the best! I am angry free thanks to God giving you the grace and tremendous talent to write MCD!!!! My prayer is that you will be rewarded with blessings and all needs supplied because of your book!!
wow – thank you carol!
I hope you don’t mind if I reply to your reply. You are welcome! I’m sure there are many many others who are now in greater emotional health from reading your book. I couldn’t wait to comment, and in your precious humble way, hold your head up high and know you meet people where they live!!!! Every where you go or write.
You have given me an appreciation for things I might have missed.
Parents. I am such a mix of the two of them. Hopefully, I’ve gleaned their good parts! Many others, of course, have had an impact, but I would not be who I am today without the influence and example of Mom and Dad.
Mr. Wong http://bit.ly/5EqI9A My Tribute
One person that impacted me was a guest missionary that came to our church when I was 16. Greg Collard served at the Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador. At one point during the week’s visit, he talked about working with missionary children and the various roles that were available, beside being a teacher like himself. One such role that he very briefly mentioned was dorm parenting…taking care of the missionary kids while they attended boarding school.
Immediately my heart was captivated for this ministry and for missionary children and it remains a ministry that I would willingly do at any point of time in the future.
I had the chance already to serve two years in Germany at the Black Forest Academy as a dorm assistant and LOVED it! It is a ministry that complements how I’m wired in every way.
I have yet to let him know how God used him to speak to me. I hope to one day have that chance.
the most influential people in my life:
#1 is my son. he was the very first person who showed me what it was like to love. he was the first person to show me how it was like to smile. he was the first person who God used to bring healing in my life.
#2 my sisters. they.are.the.best.
#3 c.r.a.m.p. – initials of each of my best friends. when i was homeless, had no work & thought i couldnt make it. they took care of me & my son, fed me & believed in the dream that God had put in my heart.
#4 donna shelton – a pastor of a church in st. louis. even thought she didn’t know me (im friends with her son)..she invited me over her house over the holidays 3 years ago. she gave me a beautiful leather bound journal for my christmas gift. while handing it, she whispered to me “God will make your dreams come true..continue to believe!” apparently she had heard about my dreams of preaching & writing. it meant a lot to hear it from someone who has been walking with the Lord for so many years, who has co-pastored a church with her husband and who has lend thousands of people to God and launch them into their destiny (one of which is joyce meyer). that one whisper has imparted so much faith in me that God is going to use me & make my dreams come true.
Sorry but I have to name 3 people if I’m going to name one.
My high school geometry teacher was the teacher everyone hated because he was so particular about the details of your work. He was a hard teacher. But I also noticed something else. He would give a lesson, and then ask if we understood it. Of course, we would nod yes, but he would always study our faces when we responded and make his own decision. “I’m not convinced” he would often say, and go through it again. I never doubted that he cared about me and believed that I could give my best.
Second, a parent who spoke on a career day during my senior year described how she earned her college degree while raising a family. I was sure I wanted to go to college but I was also really wanting to get married; she convinced me I could do both, and I did.
Finally and ironically, after getting married in the spring of my freshman year of college and falling a little behind, I was meeting with my English Comp professor in his office to make sure I was caught up. I remember I was expecting to be chastised, but he looked up at me very seriously and said, “you’re a really good writer.” I’ll never forget his encouragement.
There are two people for me that changed the course of my life. The first was my Nana, both in her life and her death. She was always the woman who believed I could be anything I wanted to. And when I say believed, I sincerely know that she was not being a grown-up patronizing a child. Whether it was an actress, a veterinarian, a professional horse-trainer, or, lastly, a writer, she accepted my latest ambition with weight and encouragement. When she died, I do not think I ever felt more alone. I have a huge family and network of friends, but a piece of my most secret soul died with her.
The second was an English teacher in high school. Most would agree that high school is a fundamental time in forming one’s sense of self and sense of purpose. This was no less true for me. I was still struggling with grief from the death of Nana and dealing with loads of other weight in my personal life. When I first showed up to class and this teacher whom I was immensely skeptical of expressed an overwhelming passion for the language I had already begun to take refuge in. Everything I wrote, she would praise and prune until I was not afraid to have an audience of one anymore. She saw potential in me and spent time on pieces I would turn in that weren’t assignments and would read them just as thoroughly as if they were. I am forever indebted to her for her passion, her kindness, and her persistence in encouraging me to be everything that I can, am, and will be.
Quite a few people have influenced me – my grandparents, who raised me; the friend who finally badgered me into going to his church; my present family; other friends. But, singling out just one person, it would be my first pastor.
None of the few exposures I’d ever had to church had “grabbed” me. He did. Partly with enthusiasm, love, and a willingness to go the second mile. Partly because his congregation was filled with love and joy, not boredom or backbiting. (They “sold” me as much as he did.) And partly because he always told us “Don’t believe it just because I say it. Look in your Bibles for yourself.”
That last advice influenced me even more by leading me to do the two Bible studies that changed my life the most.
First, on what “worldliness” meant (turned out to be synonomous with “the flesh,” “the old man,” “the first Adam,” etc. For a very good description, see Galatians 5:14-26).
Second, what the Bible taught “loving our neighbors” meant, and how important that was – that we are not to just say “oh, that’s too bad” when we know of people with problems, but are to help them as much as we would if they were Jesus.
Anne, I was delighted to see Carol say YOU were the most influential person in her life. That has to make it all feel worthwhile, doesn’t it? God bless both you and her!
My former pastor(not former) friend, Ben. He said, “I’m not sure why I feel this way, but I think one day you’ll be teaching/leading worship as a vocation.” It totally weirded me out. Never thought of it for a while, considering I barely played guitar or knew that I could sing. 4 years later I’m employed full time at the top eating disorder treatment center in the world, leading worship and teaching about Jesus. This was nothing short of a miracle. Good call, Ben.
I had an FCA Sponsor in high school that used to take us around to speak and sing all the time. I sang at little churches and events and Lion’s Clubs all over Marshall County Alabama. However good or bad I was, he kept taking me. My parents bought me this small sound system (we still use it occasionally to help rig something even today) which was a HUGE sacrifice and the only thing I got for my 15th Christmas. Back then most of the smaller churches had no sound system. I bought tracks and sang at everything I was asked to perform at. I shared my testimony all over the place. Then I got married and moved to a larger city. Not huge, but bigger than the small towns I was used to and I didn’t know a soul. I quit singing because I didn’t know how to use my gift anymore. I was too embarrassed to tell the people where I attended church that I sang, and I think I worried that I was not good enough in a larger setting.
A year or two later I ran into Coach Taber and he asked me one simple question “Where are you singing?”. He said “Jan, you have a gift. Whenever I see you I’m going to ask you the same question: where are you singing?”
His belief in me, and his encouragement paved the way for future ministry. I’ve sang ever since. Until November 2009. I’m not singing right now. Teaching but not singing.
Coach Taber passed away at an early age. I know he’d still ask me “where are you singing” if I saw him today.
I guess I need to think about that.
For me it would have to be a missionary friend. When we served together in Croatia with YWAM, I was not impressed with this brother at first because I thought he was almost “too religious.” I found out how wrong I was. This man had a “cutting Edge” faith, a hunger and a knowledge that fueled many a heartfelt conversations on my balcony over a cup of coffee.
I came to value his opinion, respect his instinct and to love him like a brother.
I still hearken to many of the lessons he taught me while we served together as missionaries.
I know it’s kind of a cop out to say ‘my parents,’ but I have gone on to emulate both of them. I became a pastor like my Dad, which I think he very much desired. I also became a teacher like my mom, despite her encouragement at every opportunity to not do so :)
My Mother-in-law. She was the first person in my world to make Jesus tangible. It happened for the first time when I was 17 years old and told her that I was pregnant with her son’s baby. When my whole world fell to pieces, she held me together. And she’s been doing it ever since.
yep, the el parentos
I was reading through my comments and was about to mark this spam! :) most of my spam is spanish!
http://bit.ly/8mu3jw
Tough naming THE most influential.
My grandfather demands consideration. He taught me so many things. In spite of him having a 6th grade education, he is the wisest man I have ever known. Every day after school he watched me until my parents got off work. And he imparted wisdom.
The second person, who maybe wins this contest, is a little old godly lady at my church when I was young. My uncle pastored. My dad was the head deacon. And Mrs. Young was transported to church by our family most Sundays.
She was my friend for a decade. She gave me a stick of gum every Sunday, and we visited before church. She listened to me, and shared from her heart.
When I was 18, I was youth pastor at that same church. (My dad’s best friend was the pastor then) With my newfound zeal, like many immature Christians in ministry, I got mean. It was my mission to preach the gospel of God’s judgement. (Pat Robertson would have been proud)
After one sermon, most of which I drew from musings and music by Keith Green, I drew Mrs. Young’s ire. She set me straight. “God is a God of mercy. That’s why you are here today, and not strung out on drugs. The goodness of God draws men to repentance, not the judgement of God. He’s gonna lay it on them one day, but YOUR message, is a message of hope, forgiveness and mercy.”
The knowledge that I disappointed her, crushed me. Even more than the knowledge that my words were way off from what God wanted those people to know. It did something to the inside of me. And to this day, my message is that God is a god of mercy and forgiveness.
It has led me on many roads, from street ministry to leading home cell groups, to ultimately out of ministry entirely. But God’s grace and mercy are what I share when God opens a door to speak with someone.
And a little old frail woman, who loved people enough to share God’s heart with an arrogant young jackass preacher wannabe made that difference.
you.
awwww
My mother had the greatest influence on me, especially in two areas. She always told me that “Pretty is is pretty does.” Since I was awkward child, those words took the focus off of my outward appearance and towards how I acted. Those words have stood me well over the years. My mom also encouraged me to get my teaching degree and told me that I would always have it to fall back on when my children grew up. That is exactly what happened. If she hadn’t pushed that way, I would have missed my current job which I really enjoy.
One of the people who had the greatest influence on my life was my pastor James M. Grange. He was my pastor from the time I was 12 until I turned 18. He was an excellent Bible teacher and musician. He played the guitar and trombone in our Sunday night services because in the 60′s it wasn’t cool to play guitars in church on Sunday mornings. He was not afraid to speak his mind and he actually stopped a church service one Sunday morning to tell my friends and me to stop talking and pay attention. I have paid attention in church ever since. I thank God that he was a part of my life.
Jesus.
…Just kidding. (Okay, now I feel bad and un-spiritual for saying that I’m kidding about that.)
There are a few, the most recent and significant of which has been Seth Barnes. I’ve learned more about what discipleship and calling means from him than from anyone else.
Mark Welton. He has been the most awesome second father ever!
Mine would have to be my mother-in-love…
When I met my husband, I was the single mother of 3 children ages 4 and under. I was fearful, stubborn and evasive…and this sweet woman not only opened her arms to me, she opened her heart to my kids who have called her Grandma from moment one.
I was raised to hate those who hate you…to turn away from those who hurt you…to trust no one more than once. This woman showed me that forgiveness doesn’t have to hurt…that love means more than a word given with a hug…that family doesn’t just come out of blood.
She has walked me thru the valleys out of addiction and has applauded me thru the highs of finding my stride and purpose in life. She has called me her own and loved me so much that I believe that I am…she is my “idol” and is what I want to be “when I grow up”…she is, hands down, my biggest parental cheer-leader and one of my best friends.
Without her, I wouldn’t be who I am now…and I love her with all my heart.
Obviously there are the people all through my life, but I had one art teacher in high school that rescued me from a life of fine-arts-misery. He said, “Matt, you’ve got an eye for design. Put down that damned paintbrush.” I said, “Design? You can get paid for that?”
There’s a lot, but reading your post, Im reminded deeply of my fourth grade teacher.
She was kind and I remember for a writing contest we did, she proof-read my paper and told me she really thought I might win. (I didnt but Im still proud of the one-age essay I wrote at 10-years old and still have it.)
She was the teacher that helped me hugely with being teased and let me know it wasnt okay to have almost an entire class gang up on me.
Im pretty sure it wasnt shortly after that I grew more into myself and started writing for myself.
Mine are my parents. Having been born with very severe disabilities and not given a great prognosis for my life, I know without a shadow of a doubt that there love, faith and prayers have seen me through to this day 31 years later where I am living and working independently and embarking on a dream of writing. They saw greatness in me in 1978 when I couldn’t move a muscle and they still see greatness in me when I struggle with depression and a form of epilepsy.
They did not let the fact that they had a disabled daughter hold them back from serving God as they pastored a church for 25 years and influenced 1000′s of lives.
Truly I stand on the shoulders of giants.
Anne,
this is a hard question for me, because I would not be who I am today without the work of God in my life, and he used MANY people. (and continues to do so)
I have one couple that stands out in my memory. When I, a 15 year old completely broken girl, showed up on the porch, they opened the door and brought me in. They didn’t know the first thing about what they were getting into, but they were willing to extend the true grace of Christ. Through their selfless gift, I was given the opportunity to live, to heal, and to hope. They were never rewarded in an earthly sense, but I hope they know that “the King will answer them,’Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Lanelle?s last blog ..Incorporating Quiet..
This is a beautiful post.
I loooove this! It’s amazing how one relationship can have such a huge impact in your life.
When I was a young woman, the person who helped change the course of my life was Alaine White. When I was 10, I lost my mother unexpectedly. Growing up motherless caused me to raise walls around my heart. I decided not to let in others who might abandon me, or God, who I viewed as not caring about my loss. Alaine was the first person to challenge me in a motherly way. In a way that I had needed through my teenage years. In a way that fathers can’t do as much as they try. She became another mother to me and patiently helped me work through years of pain and unforgiveness. She helped me realize the beauty of the pain I had experienced because I can now share my hope and healing with others. And she helped me reconcile with God.
I can’t express the gratitude I feel for her loving me as a daughter. I would not be the woman I am today if she had not taken a chance on me and seen the potential that I couldn’t see at the time.
Here’s to Alaine and all the other mothers out there who are investing in their daughters, whether by birth or in spirit!
Tina?s last blog ..Confessions of A Bureaucrat
Mine aren’t positive, but they both left major, defining marks on my heart. One was my youth pastor in hs. I was very depressed, suicidal in fact. I told him what I was thinking of doing, followed through with an attempt, but woke my folks up in time. (There is much, much more backstory.) The youth pastor had brushed it off as teen angst. I take people seriously and try to be extremely compassionate when they are hurting – especially teens and young adults.
The second person who has left a defining mark on my heart was my son who died 6 years ago on Sunday. Through the journey of grief, I am realizing that God loans us our children and that his love, mercy and grace are all we truly need to get from one minute to the next. If Lucas had not been born still, I would not be growing closer to God in this way. I would not be able to help other hurting mothers. I would not be where I am today.
Chris K?s last blog ..Signs, itchy fingers, and answered prayer