By Rev. Linda Pigott
“Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other.” (1Thessalonians 5:11, NRSV)
Nell Cook, my home economics teacher, was probably the most popular classroom teacher in our high school; she was the very soul of creativity and elegance. Anytime the school needed decorations and/or refreshments, the home economics department provided them. She taught all her students how to make centerpieces, set a table, cook for the family, prepare for a wedding, as well as how to tailor a fully lined wool suit; we learned how to balance a budget, dress for success and be good citizens and leaders.
Even though childless herself, she and her husband always went out of their way to be kind and encouraging. They even surprised me by traveling several hours to see me walk across the stage at my college graduation. Mrs. Cook was more than a teacher; she was my mentor and friend from 8th grade on. We shared the same values and often talked about faith as she drove me to one of the many school competitions. When she passed away in her late 80’s about three years ago, her husband gave me her sewing machine and as many of her cookbooks as I could carry. She reached out to a shy awkward young girl and helped me believe in myself. Because of her life changing influence, I was a high school home economics teacher for 15 years. She shared the gift of encouragement with me!
I believe God continually places people in our lives who can help us to grow into the persons He intends us to be. When Moses complained that he was unprepared for the leadership God expected, Aaron and Hur stepped up. Paul and Barnabas encouraged each other, and then Barnabas stood up for John Mark because he believed in his calling! Mary, mother of Jesus, went to her cousin, Elizabeth for guidance and reassurance during an unplanned pregnancy. Other stories in the Bible tell of co-laborers and friends who lifted each other up through struggles of life and leadership.
Today I continue to be grateful for wise friends who have more recently encouraged and counseled me through some difficult times. Even though I am now retired from active professional ministry, I pray that all of us will actively seek opportunities to encourage and pray for others who need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and boundless love.
LINDA PIGOTT is a former teacher in Volusia County Schools and is now retired as Associate Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Daytona Beach. She and her late husband have two married sons and a grandchild.