A Ben Carson Reading Room

The Bible tells me that God guides me with His eye, that all things work to my good, and He has a purpose for even me.   This story will be continued testimony of God's presence, guidance, and miracles.

A while back a friend of mine suggested I read Ben Carson's book Gifted Hands.  She said it was "required reading".  Being a lover of books and especially those recommended by friends, I immediately complied.  My friend vaguely mentioned that Dr. Carson had mentioned something about reading rooms in his book and I might find them interesting.

As I read, I was inspired and when I came across the reading room, I felt a tug in my spirit and knew that God wanted me to pursue the idea for our school.  Of course, I needed money.  Of course, I didn't have it.  But, I had an idea.  I submitted a grant to a local agency and ba-da-boom, ba-da-bing there was the money.

We are getting a Ben Carson Reading Room for our kids.  We are excited!

So today a group of us met in Meridian, MS to stand in line to meet Dr. Carson.  We were herded through the line like cattle and only had a moment to leave Dr. Carson an invitation to be at the grand opening of our reading room before we were whisked away.  The whole event made me feel sorry for Dr. Carson and the method used to sell books.

  But other things happened while we were waiting 5 hours to put our eyes on Dr. Carson -- we met a lady whose 95-year old mother had written a children's book.  Wow!  Talk about inspiring.  We also strengthened bonds between 4 friends and made a memory none of us will soon forget.  

I would like to give thanks to Ben Carson for sharing his God-call with us.  I pray for him and his family.  I can only imagine the new challenges they face amidst such popularity.  I pray he doesn't lose sight of his call.

Here's a little poem I wrote honoring Dr. Carson and our school.

School
Think Big
In Honor of Ben Carson

Once there was a little school,

nestled in a small community;

pine trees and oak,

lakes and a ribbon of a river,

a railroad and a few buildings,

thousands of people,

a hope and a dream,

all for their smallest citizens.



With poverty rates high,

employment opportunities low,

the school worked to reach the children.

Thousands of free books, book clubs, rewards,

atta boys, encouragement,

a sprinkle of technology, a dose of cheer,

a heaping spoonful of love and soon everyone believed in the dream.



This one could read. This one could study. This one could learn. This one could believe.

This one could change. This one could focus. This one could see.



The smallest citizens believed. They began to think big. They began to grow.

A seed planted, watered and weeded.

This hand firm, this hand held a book, this hand a pat on the back.



Find your passion, find your pride, find your dream the school said.

Go out, come back, and learn the school said.

Believe and read the school said.

Travel far, travel close, and be home the school said.



Think often. Think carefully. Think wildly. Think big the school said.

For in you we have our future,

in you is our hope,

in you we think bigger and better,

we think brighter and…

we think…we know…you have places to go.