PEOPLE OF INFLUENCE - PART TWO

Last week, I began a series of blogs on people of influence. In continuing this process, I have thought of several folks who have exhibited influence on my life. Today, I want to focus on my wife, Sue, who has grown into a person of influence.

As a public school teacher, a person has little power over her students, but can greatly influence them. Sue was a high school journalism teacher and at one time also taught English and drama. What a schedule - yearbook, newspaper, dramatic productions. Sue did her job and did it well. After taking some time off to work for One Accord, Sue went back to teaching. Finally, she had only journalism and English to teach. Producing the high school newspaper was also part of that job. Properly influencing students in journalism is an area of great need in our country and Sue did just that in underscoring the responsibility of making sure stories are accurate, truthful, and well-written. Editorially speaking, many radio, TV stations and newspapers should embrace Sue's teachings. During these years, many of her students went on to college and have shared with her how much the years in her classes have meant to them. On the wall in our office is a plaque from her students at Hazelwood West that reads:

Mrs. Sue Smith
The Great Advisor at Hazelwood West
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
With Love from the 1998-99 Gazette Staff

Josten's Yearbook Company representative, Jim Combs, said Sue was one of the two best journalism teachers in the greater St. Louis region.

She went off to Nashville as a relatively unknown "Want to Be" Christian writer with the desire to be the best she could be. She has influenced so many aspiring writers personally and through WAJ. Like her mentor, Dave Clark, she is just as happy when one of her friends finds success in the writing field as when she does. She loves sharing her experience and expertise, the result of which is a number of people who write about Jesus better than they ever have. WAJ is a story of influence in itself.

Sue is greatly loved by her parents. Can you believe how very proud they are of her accomplishments? It was their influence as Christian parents that made her the special person she is today.

As a mother, she is dearly loved by Jamie, Rick, and Holly. They love to say that Sue Smith is their mother. She is just as proud to say that they are her daughters and son. Sue's consistent godly life has influenced each of them to be more like her in the endeavors in which they find themselves. Each of our children always, always tells her how much they love her. Influence? You better believe it. Our son-in-law, Kendall Lucas, is minister of praise and worship at the Denton Bible Church in Denton, TX. He loves to tell folks about the music his mother-in-law writes.

Sue is a great wife. We are not together as often as many married couples, but that is alright because it has allowed her to follow her dream. She has, by example, lived the Christian life in front of me. Influence? You better believe it.

Growing up, my early heroes were Stan Musial in baseball and the Blackwood Brothers and Statesmen in Christian music. Today, Lou Brock is a hero, not only because of all he accomplished as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, but because of his commitment as a Christian. All these folks were and are people of influence. Into that category has come Sue Smith. Influence? You better believe it.