March 9, 2011- Jeffery Redding

Mr. Redding, if I had a dollar for every time you made me cry from laughing, joy or sorrow, I would be a wealthy woman. Like everyone else in the world, I had heard story after story about how incredible you were and how you change lives of not only your students but the people they come in contact with too. Honestly, I didn't understand how that was possible, partly in favor because when I met you I thought I was the coolest thing since sliced bread and didn't want to have anything to do with adults. But man, looking back is a whirlwind of emotion I never expected a teacher would cause. Through tears, laughs, losses and victories, you certainly had and still have an incredible impact on my life.


The first day of choir my freshman year of high school was one of the most intimidating experiences I have ever had. You walk into a room of about a hundred other girls that you seem to have just about nothing in common with except your gender and class schedule. I quickly learned that those girls would not be strangers to me in a few months and that Mr. Redding would make sure of that. We did bonding exercise after exercise until I was sure that I had nothing in common with any of them when finally he told us what our goal was in choir. It wasn't to be the best choir vocally in the world, but to be the best family in the world. We worked everyday to strive for unity within the group and the day we found it is impossible to describe except for beautiful. I had never felt closer with a group of girls I hardly knew and the only reason for that is Jesus. Jred, thank you so much for never giving up on me. I can't remember how many days I came storming into your office to complain, cry with frustration, yell at you, or stare until you realized something was wrong, but I know they will never measure up to the times we celebrated, laughed and rejoiced in your office at the victory of unity. Thank you for being a friend and a role model to me. I love you forever.


Psalm 133:1
"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"