A devoted Educator, Barbara A. Brown is an award-winning NC Principal who loves children. At every school she’s led or taught, her dedication and teaching talents have been felt. A Christian, she’s a fellow Church member as well. Who knew that such an accomplished career professional was standing in the same choir stand with me every 3rd Sunday?
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31 NIV)
“I knew at a very young age that I would work with children. I love being an educator and I’m passionate about discovering innovative ways to help children to be successful”.
“During [my] first five years of teaching, I was named Young Educator of the Year at Stoneville Elementary School. I took ventures in education that no one at the time would take. I invited parents into my classroom that couldn’t help their children at home. I took time out to teach them so that they could help their children”.
She currently serves as Principal at the Central Elementary School. In 2009, Brown was asked, by the Rockingham County School Superintendent, to lead the Eden NC school. She’d been quite successful as Principal at another public elementary school.
“After two years as principal, I was named Principal of the Year for [the county]. In December 2014, Central Elementary was named Rockingham County School’s Signature School, for it’s high growth in reading and math”.
The NC educator holds several academic degrees. In her own education and professional development, Brown has read many books. One book, which clearly holds a special place in her life, is the Bible. In telling her story, she cited three scriptures:
She states: “My life is governed by my faith as a believer. I am truly blessed and have always been blessed from day one of my life. I give God credit, for he has taken me through a lifetime of exceptional experiences in phenomenal places”.
- God’s Promise, Brown feels, “gives all of us confidence and purpose to move on from yesterday’s shortcomings into a new day and a new beginning, filled with great opportunities for learning and growth”.
- Her Life Motto: “A New Day – A New Beginning”
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 NIV)
- Did her biggest trial come in a classroom or school? No.
Her “biggest life challenge and blessing”, Brown stated, occurred just 5 years ago. Her life’s work, teaching young children and “leading with a purpose”, faced it’s biggest battle.
“I had a massive stroke and all of my doctors told me that I should not be walking or talking. But yet here I am! . . . I know that it was only God and He alone who restored my health. He protected my body and mind and I thank Him daily for what I consider a second chance at life. It’s not what you do in life, but how you live your life. It’s about the journey. I get great satisfaction from former students who tell me that I made a difference in their life and that I was the reason they pursued a career in Education. I am truly blessed to fulfill my mission in a job I love: Making a difference in others’ lives”.
It wasn’t until Barbara Brown told her story, in the Oak Ridge Times (Oak Ridge First Baptist Church magazine, March 2015) that I fully appreciated what she’s been called to do – and does so well! Brown’s work, and her worship, is surely ‘for real’.
She embodies the power of all Christians to tell their Story. Ironically, while Brown and I have been members of the same Choir for many years, I never knew how gifted (as an Educator) and blessed (as a stroke survivor) she was. “My Worship is For Real”, the Bishop Larry Trotter song which sparked this Series, begins: “You don’t know my Story, all the things that I’ve been through; You can’t feel my Pain, what I had to go through to get here, You’ll never understand my Praise, don’t try to figure it out; because my Worship is for real“.
- I strongly believe that her teaching gift, which she’s ably shared with hundreds of students, is a key reason for her Blessing – the protection and healing of her body after her medical storm. I strongly sense the innovative Educator believes that God has kept her, has made a way for her, so she can continue sharing her gifts. When Brown was sick, the Lord healed her. He made a way!
- Do you have an untold story that could greatly encourage others? If so, I hope you won’t hesitate to tell it – like Barbara Brown did. To God be the glory.
Grace, mercy, and peace to you.
Greg Silverthorne, 66 Assurance Way
I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The LORD will keep you from all harm– he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121: 1-2, 7-8 NIV)
66 Assurance Way 