High school students are slightly less frightening to me than elementary age children, but I still don't often choose to be left alone in a room with them.
The first woman I want to commend is Angela Temples. Angela was my 9th grade Sunday School teacher. I think it must have been traumatic for her, too, because that was the only year she taught high school Sunday School. I loved Angela's class, loved watching how the Lord was working in her life at that time, calling her to follow Him in deeper and deeper waters. I respected her commitment to obedience. Several years ago, Angela moved to Fort Worth, and I was very pleasantly surprised to find an email from her in my school inbox. It was a great opportunity for us to reconnect, only this time as peers. I found her to be such a wise, godly counselor, so quick to give God glory for the blessings in her life, so humble in her daily walk with Him. It's been a joy in recent years to call her friend.
Trisha Harbus was my 10th grade Sunday School teacher. And, every year after that, I think Becchi and Brenna and I tried our best to get John Wills to let her move up a grade with us. But, I think John knew, how much we needed the influence of the other women who'd come into our lives as well. Trisha was someone who was so generous with her time and made herself available to listen whenever I needed to talk. Trisha never belittled by 10th grade drama, but helped me put it in perspective just the same. And, when, as a teenager, I began to doubt my 6 year old conversion experience, Trisha and I had a very serious talk about the fruit of one's life and the evidence of the Spirit at work in a life. I didn't fully grasp the significance of that conversation at that time, but I have referred back to it more times than I can count by now.
Jane Hughes and her husband, Dick, (Yes, Dick and Jane!) were our 12th grade Sunday School directors. Jane's nickname among the youth workers was "Bubbles" for her effervescent personality, but I called her "Fabulous" because she simply was. Jane can light up a room in a moment. She has the brightest, kindest smile, and the most joyful spirit. And, for those 12 months, Jane was on a mission, alongside Dick, to get us ready for college. It was a seriously fun mission. We spent hours talking about all kinds of things we might face once we got off to college, more than anything learning how to think and reason and search scripture for ourselves. How grateful I am for her godly influence!
Finally, there was a high school girls' intern named Rhonda Black. Looking back, I think Rhonda must have been the most patient of them all. Rhonda's office was my hideout just about every afternoon after school. I'd show up in the youth office, sit at her desk, and talk ... and talk ... and talk! And, she'd listen, and respond, and keep trying to get her work done at the same time. I'm not at all sure how she did it. I had the opportunity to see Rhonda not long ago and thank her for that time, that empathy, and for the example she set. Rhonda was the first woman I knew of to go to seminary and get an M.Div. So many many times during my 4 1/2 years at SWBTS, I wanted to quit, but I'd think, "Rhonda did it. I can do it." She is one of the most gracious, godly women I've had the privilege to know. Her life has not always been easy, but she has always pointed to Jesus. She continues to mentor me from afar because of this stubborn determination she has to cling to Him like she does.
(I didn't forget 11th grade -- she's getting her own post!)
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