Train Up a Child — It is Worth the Effort

For over 12 years, our daughter, Staci Wallace, travelled, sang and spoke at the “Get Motivated” seminars with Peter Lowe, Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, and always on the guest speaker list were former presidents, prime ministers, professional athletes, and many other dignitaries. I don’t share this to impress you, but it impresses me about the mightiness of God’s orchestration of our lives.

My husband and I had planned on being at a conference in Maui, but something altered our plans, and since we had already paid for the conference, we insisted that our daughter take our place to just get strengthened, motivated and encouraged at a very vulnerable time in her life — long before meeting her wonderful husband, Larry. Staci’s Dad (my sweet husband) was her coach (better known as Sargeant Dad because he was relentless in pulling every ability, talent and gifting out of her — when it came to her basketball playing, her singing, and her public speaking). And, I was relentless in being a Stage Mom — entering her into vocal competitions, pageants and speaking opportunities. As she was about to leave for the trip to Maui, her Dad, as always, said, “Be prepared just in case they ask you to sing — take your accompaniment tracks with you!” Which, she always did. And, sure enough, she was asked to sing at the event. She WAS prepared, and belted out a song in her usual passionate style. This time, Peter Lowe was at the back of the room and heard her. At the end of the session, he introduced himself to her and asked if she’d like to be a part of his “Get Motivated” events. And, that began a remarkable journey for both of us — I was her travel companion, photographer, and product sales manager. It was a thrill, and joy — on so many levels. We knew it was a divine set-up!

I shared this story with you to urge you to cultivate, embrace, celebrate, coach and nurture the giftings of your children and grandchildren. There is no greater gift or asset that God gives us than our children. God gives them to us and what we help them become…..is our gift back to God. It is worth every effort, every investment of time and resources, when we see them excel and become all God has destined them to be. At those “Get Motivated” events, Staci always opened the day with her “American Medley” song. Later Tom Hopkins asked her to record an album of motivational songs for his speaking tour, which included this song. The backdrop of the song was compelling photos, videos and scenes of our great country, the men and women who serve our country and those who have given their lives to give us the freedoms we have today. I gift this song and my precious daughter to you today in honor of this glorious land that we live in, the freedoms that we have, and the blessings of God to call this land our HOME on this side of heaven.