Inspiration can come through many different ways. A sunset can inspire someone to write a poem. A happy or sad experience can spark a song. A love for food can lead to a career in cooking. A feeling of love can give way to doing something special for that person. All of these things inspire, but I believe that true inspiration comes from people; from a person’s words. It can be kind or harsh. A word of wisdom or suggestion. It can give hope or give despair. A simple word can inspire good or evil. I’ve learned that encouraging words carry weight, especially when they are accompanied by wisdom that comes from experience.
Linda Shands was that kind of person: the kind of person who says what she’s thinking, with authority but also with love. The kind of person who encouraged with her words. Words that had purpose and meaning. She gave without wanting in return. Unselfish, full of hope. Willing to share her past experiences: mistakes, struggles and victories, in order to shape young minds. She gave vision, motivated by her love for children. An unconditional love, that was beyond their complete understanding. But a love they felt and received through her words.
She was never ashamed of her faith. She prayed, she talked about her friendship with Jesus, and how He was always with her; even at a time in her life when she had nothing, only her children to care for and only herself to care for them. She was tough, yet kind. She understood. I thank God for her.
She gave me something special, a key, to unlock the potential, hidden talents inside. Before I met her, I never knew the gift that was within me. Because of her wisdom, love and encouragement; because of her words, I unlocked a door into a world of creativity and excitement. I discovered a love of writing! “Grab the readers attention,” she said. “Make it exciting from the beginning.” So I did.
I dedicate The Heart of a King in loving memory of Linda Shands, my favorite elementary school teacher.