A Teacher’s Influence

Tom Barnard

 

“Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.” – Francis, of Assisi

 

With a first name like “Mentor,” he would be a teacher, right? Right. And he would be from New York, right? Wrong. How about eight miles west of Greensburg on Brush Creek, in Kentucky? Few people other than historians are familiar with the name, Mentor Graham. His better-known uncle—Nathaniel Owens—owned extensive lands and slaves and was probably the wealthiest man in the county at the time. He opened the Brush Creek Academy, and one of his pupils was Mentor. Owens taught algebra, astronomy, and surveying—all of which were helpful for the pupil who would eventually mentor Abraham Lincoln.

 

Born in 1800, Graham became a teacher and continued teaching for about 50 years. He died in 1886. Perhaps his most significant contribution to society occurred in the 1830s after he had met the young Lincoln. Graham is credited with having taught Lincoln whatever “higher education” he received. Lincoln’s schooling beyond grade school was short—about 18 months, according to some records. But those months brought Lincoln into contact with Graham, who loaned him his personal books to read and instructed him in math, English, and surveying. Lincoln’s education was, for the most part, self taught. According to one source, Lincoln studied the Bible, the works of Shakespeare, American history, and English history. Later, Lincoln studied law on his own and became a well-known lawyer in Illinois before his election to public office.

 

But there was a time in Lincoln’s young life when a simple teacher from Kentucky influenced him to read. He left an imprint on Lincoln that never wore off. We will never know how much Graham influenced Lincoln. But we know he contributed something to the life of one of America’s greatest presidents.

 

Whom are you mentoring? Whose life have you influenced this week? What young person have you observed accepting your credit card at Wal-Mart? Perhaps there is a “Lincoln” out there who is longing for someone who will take an interest in them—to love them, to challenge them to make something of their life. Mentoring other people is something everyone can do.

 

Heavenly Father, I am basically a simple person. I seldom look at the name-tags of those who wait on me at the grocery store or restaurant where I eat. I tend to be self-conscious, and I am seldom conscious of strangers around me. Help me to be more observing; help me to look for opportunities to encourage those who are hurting; let me minister to someone this week that needs a hand to lift them up. I promise to be looking for them. In the strong Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.