Impact —Part 2

The walls are plastered with love messages; reflections shared about a woman who was thought of and missed profoundly. “We will always love you.” “You always encouraged us to do our best.” Written by little hands, these messages will never be seen by their teacher because she had died. I hated being in that room because these messages remind me of the circumstances under which she was taken and that caused immeasurable sorrow for her and for other women like her whose lives ended violently.

But another thought soon overpowered the dark and encouraged me to look at the sentiments expressed —not as a reminder of violence but as a testament of impact and a barometer of character.

For two terms, she had been with these young people and impacted their hearts and minds with positivity, principles, beauty.

These marks were made not only on the students but also on her colleagues, church family, and friends. I wondered about my mark, my footprint, my impact. Would my family and friends have fond memories of our special moments together? Are my students better for having contact with me? What would God comment about my character? Is He happy that I am allowing Him to work in and through me to encourage positive change in those around me, or is He saddened by my attempts to do all in my power? What fragrance do I emit? What is the testimony that my life shares to cheer others along the way? I will continue to seek answers to these questions —not out of any need for self-glory but to leave others the better for having met me even for a short while.

God wants us to let our light shine so that it can be used to point others to Him, where they can find solace and love and acceptance.

Like those students who wrote the messages about their teacher —her life and care for them revealed that they were loved and accepted and seen as beautiful in God’s eyes. Even in death, Abby’s impact is felt.

God continues to use her life as a lightning rod for change.

We do not need to wait for death to allow God to impact others through us.

Greta Michelle Joachim-Fox-Dyett