Earlier today, I received a call on my office phone that I did not expect and certainly did not want. One of my teachers, mentors, and friends passed away last night after complications from open-heart surgery. Ms. Pam Brown was a teacher at Walker High School who planned to retire this year. During her many years of service she counseled numerous students, offering lessons about English assignments, drama productions, and life in general. She was a cheerful woman who had a great sense of humor. She was tremendously devoted to her students as they were to her.
I personally learned a great deal from Ms. Brown. I remember as a young 10th grade student, she sought me out to be on the media staff. It was a side project for her. We met during fist block each day without any real supervision. Ms. Brown was also the drama teacher and so she stayed in the auditorium to work with Centerstage on upcoming performances during that hour and a half. The media staff was responsible producing bi-weekly programs to be shown to the high school. Many of the videos were funny, some were mere attempts at being funny. Obviously, we were given a great deal of freedom to roam around the school however we saw fit, carrying our video camera and microphone, usually goofing off more than working. That first day, Ms. Brown explained to all of us that she was placing a great deal of trust in us. That she viewed us as her kids. That she would do anything she could to help us out. BUT that if we did something wrong that we had better be the ones to tell her. If she found out from the principal, she would not be happy and would not run interference for us. In other words, we were part of her family and as such she demanded that we show the same amount of loyalty to her that she was showing to us. She wanted honesty and respect, and as long as we did not deceive her, she would fight for us any way that she could. She always lived up to that promise.
In remembering PHB (as she would sign permission forms), I am very aware of the legacy that she has left behind. Her death was sudden, but her influence is still alive and well in her students. We are her legacy. We are what she has left behind.
Often, we think that a Christian’s aim is to get to heaven. Certainly, we all want that to be our final destination, but being a Christian is more about advancing the Kingdom of God. That means that, as Chris Seidman said, we are trying to bring heaven down to earth. We are trying to make this earth the dwelling place of our Lord. I hope that this month, you will reflect on the people who have spent time mentoring and teaching you. Think about how they have shaped your life. Then ask yourself if you are doing the same thing for others. Ask yourself what legacy you are leaving with your life. Perhaps the greatest legacy of all can be found in 1 John 3:16: “By this we know love that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” Lay down your life in service to others. In doing so, you will leave a lasting legacy that brings glory to God and furthers his Kingdom.
