Building Legacies Through Kindness and Faith
(Tomorrow is World Kindness Day)
This year when I reported back to work as an elementary assistant principal, I noticed some new faces. As I introduced myself to an assistant principal who looked older than me, and I’m a middle-aged guy, I assumed she was someone who retired, and then was rehired. When I told her my name and asked hers, I realized she is a special person from my teaching past. Twenty years ago, Mrs. S. was one of my mentor/trainers when I was a brand new teacher!
I still remembered her name, because she was such a positive influence on this “nervous newbie” back in 2004 As we talked, I realized, while her appearance had changed, she still had the same “You can do this!” attitude that inspired me.
Mrs. S was touched that I remembered her, and thanked me for telling her what a powerful impact she made on me.
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I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
Today, I can’t recall a single piece of advice Mrs. S gave me at that long ago rookie teacher workshop, but I’ve never forgotten how she made me feel. Her unwavering confidence in my ability to succeed as a teacher, if I committed myself to the right things, was empowering beyond belief! It wasn’t just what she said, it was who she was–a veteran teacher who believed in me–that still sticks with me, after two decades.
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God is also great at seeing people, not just as they are, but for all they can be. He is the ultimate possibility thinker who speaks His power into people.
Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women!
The angel Gabriel to young Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 2:28- NKJV)
The Lord is with you, mighty warrior
The Lord’s angel to Gideon, who was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. (Judges 6:12- NIV)
Kind reader, you and I have the capacity to be legacy builders–people who speak God’s possibility into the lives of others. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to help others see themselves and love themselves as God does.
This mission is possible.
Thank you for reading. prayers and love
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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The Stigma Stops Here.
David Duncan is an ordained Southern Baptist minister turned elementary school administrator. He and his wife have three grown sons, but no grandchildren. They live in the Midwestern United States, with their Schnauzer, Cooper. David blogs at davidsdailydose.org, where he shares positive thoughts from a Christian perspective.
Image by DEEPAI
Well said man of God, the good one does in the world is the only lasting power and purpose in life. Only what’s done for the lord shall last.
Your friend- His servant,
Isaac Otieno