By Dr. Teena Welborn
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them.” – Psalm 127:3-5
Are we raising little “arrows” to be shot out into the world? Have you ever thought about how important it is to raise Christian leaders? God has placed a young lady in my life who I feel will someday be one of our greatest Christian leaders.
Mary Grace Tomlinson is one of the most amazing teenagers I’ve ever known. A junior at Florence High School, she is the Class of 2027 Distinguished Young Woman of Rankin County; goalkeeper for the FHS Lady Eagles Soccer Team; a member of the cross-country team; JROTC First Lieutenant, Armed and Unarmed Platoon Commander; and a member of Lakeshore Church in Byram, where she is a member of the praise team and assists in children’s ministry. (This list is not exhaustive!)
Read closely how Mary Grace walks out her faith and places herself in God’s presence daily. It was my pleasure to interview her!
Teena Welborn: Why do you think it is important to be a future Christian leader?
Mary Grace Tomlinson: Because a lot of kids are scared to share their faith or may not know how to live it out. Being that Christlike example may be the only “Bible” some people ever “read.”
TW: How do you feel your parents have modeled you into the person you are today?
MGT: Praying and praising together daily, (and) volunteering and being involved in church ministries as a family. My grandfather has always had his Bible open on the breakfast table from his daily reading, showing me the importance of being in God’s Word. My godparents have always offered biblical insight to any problem or question I have.
TW: Give some examples of how you are an example to your teachers, other students, and people around you at school.
MGT: I am the chaplain for my soccer team. I enjoy leading my team and friends in Bible study and prayer every chance I can. Most of my T-shirts and sweatshirts have biblical / Christian messages. I share verses of the day with many of my contacts.
TW: Is it difficult to be an example of a young Christian leader in today’s world?
MGT: It can be, because you have the desire to fit in, but we are called to be different and stand out for Christ. I never want to hurt others, but I want to know I did and said everything I could to bring others to Him.
Dr. Teena Welborn is a retired educator and author of “Raising Whosoevers to Be the Heart of Our Schools.” Dr. Welborn and her husband of 37 years, Cliff, live in Florence, Mississippi, where they raised their three boys. They are members of First Baptist Florence. She can be contacted at tlmwelborn13@gmail.com.