©Laurie Pace Graphics One Design 2025
In His Heavenly Light
Oil on Canvas by Laurie Pace for my one million follower
Walking with Empathy: A Life of Teaching, Faith, and Service
After more than forty years invested in the classroom and teaching, one truth has guided my journey: teaching is not rooted in sympathy, but in true empathy. Sympathy observes from a distance, but empathy walks alongside. To teach—whether children or adults—is to understand the whole person: their struggles, their fears, their joys, and the unseen burdens they carry.
The years I spent teaching did more than shape my professional life; they blessed me with a deeper understanding of the people closest to me—my family, my friends, and my community. Teaching opened my heart and sharpened my awareness that every individual brings their full life into every space they enter.
Compassion is essential for those who are in pain or facing challenges. As believers, we are called to offer the same comfort that our Lord Jesus Christ gave when He walked this earth—comfort rooted in love, patience, and presence. God empowers us with a spirit of willingness, enabling us to work with others in all aspects of life, whether with children in a classroom or adults navigating their own trials.
Respect is vital, even when we are challenged by the idiosyncrasies of others. Life is filled with daily distractions, and maintaining balance while serving others is no small task. Teaching, friendship, service, and life itself require perseverance as we face trials and tribulations that often test our faith and endurance.
As a spiritual and intellectual woman, I continually pray to follow God’s Word so that I may serve those who need help or support during seasons that are difficult to navigate. Each of us has a purpose, a direction, fears we wrestle with, and blessings we cherish. We are not meant to walk alone, nor are we meant to leave others behind in their loneliness.
The New Testament teaches us to remain spiritually attentive and open to God’s guidance. In Ephesians 1:15–23, the apostle Paul prays that believers be filled with wisdom and revelation so that they may know Christ more deeply. He writes, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened…” (verses 17–18). This prayer speaks to the very heart of service—seeing others through God’s eyes and recognizing the hope, inheritance, and power found in Christ.
Another favorite scripture reminds us of God’s gentle leadership: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters” (Psalm 23:2). I strive to serve when called, when God places someone in my path. May the eyes of my heart remain open, guided by faith, so that I may follow the path of Jesus with empathy, humility, and love. Elle
Follow the Spirit of the Paint... with Laurie Pace
Laurie Pace - A Texas Artist
Laurie is an international artist, her paintings are collected in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, DuBai, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, St Thomas, Romania, Greece, Croatia, and Ecuador.
© Graphics One Design 2025
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