Solomon states “...the race is not given to the swift…but time and chance happeneth to them all.” (KJV) One person can be on top of the world one day and the very next day she may be looking for a new career path. Another person may have a beautiful thriving marriage and the next minute he is filing for divorce because of irreconcilable differences. Yet another person may have all the wealth and notoriety she can imagine, but the next second the stock market plummets or his popular Netflix series is canceled. Do you agree? The journey of life happens exactly that way; but one can take comfort in realizing that you are competing with yourself and no one else. In my younger years, I erroneously believed in the race of life I competed to win against the other competitors. Now, I have a fuller understanding of King Solomon's wisdom from this verse; life is about how you see it and live it, not about where you are as you run.
Fiya Librarian’s pace is not like anyone else’s, but that speaks to the calling on her life and her destination. Recently at a conference and book signing, Fiya shared the steps she had taken to be a part of her newly released co-authored book. She evaluated the culminating events that had led to her career paths. From Christian educator to professional educator to degreed librarian to instructional technology trainer to innovative entrepreneur, Fiya’s race looks distinct from others. According to others’ standards, the competitors are passing her by, but she runs with purpose and determination knowing her path is set and her timing is not determined by man. She will finish the race directed by her divine coach, and she knows when to walk, skip, and run.
Book pre-orders were amazing; family, friends, colleagues, and church members purchased their copy of the title, moving Fiya closer to the finish line. This past week she mailed nearly twenty newly published books, and as stated on social media “excitement and joy” filled her heart knowing that others love and support the vision and mission of not only the company but of the business woman. The United States Postal Service anticipated books arriving in Louisiana by the end of last week; however most of them arrived in two days. (Shout out to our hardworking postal workers!) Mid-week, Fiya Librarian received texts with pictures and phone calls from friends who had happily received their copies. One testimonial reads,
I love the imagery you use when you write; it’s so goofy and I love to
laugh. I enjoyed, so much, reading your contribution to “Women of
Worth”. I was emotional reading it because I read of a woman
who had the courage to change what didn’t fit anymore and embraces
the new, boldly despite its uncertainties. It was an inspiring read.
–Leloashia
These words touched my heart in a special way because the mission is helping others run their own race wherever they are in their career and life. If my coach leads me to write something that moves the hearts and minds of other women; then we all advance in the race together. That is the goal of Fiya Librarian Consulting; serve others as they help their students and teachers. In the race, professionals are often injured because of overtraining, accidents, basic wear and tear on the body; time heals if time is well spent. Today, I encourage you that as you run your race, spend some time analyzing why you are running and when you take necessary breaks, fill your mind with uplifting information that will motivate you to continue the race.
In another lap this past week, Fiya Librarian recorded short presentations to the School Leadership Ripple of author Steve Harper, The Ripple Effect. The nature of each talk reintroduced school administrators with the library’s mission and goals, making sure to get the most value for their budget dollars and explored the methods libraries may use to build a vibrant literacy program throughout each school’s community. During the first talk, student choice took the lead as Fiya Librarian elaborated on the importance of students’ freedom to choose books beyond their curriculum needs, opening their minds to possibilities beyond their current world. Secondly, the library, a special place for students and teachers to grow in their knowledge, is still integral to campus learning communities. Lastly, the librarian, the anchor leg, of this relay holds knowledge and information at the forefront of learning, but also serves his or her community with tremendous skills beyond the scope of regular teaching and learning. The librarian’s expertise builds students' learning while simultaneously collaborating and aiding teachers all of which help the overall outcome of improved student achievement.
The marathon is literacy, and librarians across the world, nation, and in every local community are geared up for the race. Although we have several miles to go, it is imperative that we continue the race; do not look at the clock time. Every library professional must run his or her own race; ensuring you have the best form and cadence to meet your patrons’ needs. When there is resistance, strength training by using library data and customer testimonials aids to complete the race. Take extra strides by cross training to build your endurance using your instructional leadership team. Work with your reading specialist, counselor, speech therapist, public librarians, and families.
After his life’s race, the scriptures tell us that King Solomon’s wisdom understood humankind’s ultimate reality as one in which failures are imminent and victories escape us. In our modern world, libraries, information, and the profession are under attack; however, librarians are committed to the cause. Every day when librarians interact with patrons whether reading aloud a picture book, locating resources for a teacher to enhance their curriculum needs, or engaging with students during makerspace or book club we feel a runner’s high. If you then ‘hit the wall’ take time for yourself, and cool down to recover, but do not give up. Fiya Librarian is here to help you if an unexpected hurtle comes; let's figure it out together. DNF (Did Not Finish) is the acronym given to runners who start the race, but never complete it. Our families and students need the experience, knowledge, and innovation we bring to the literacy challenge; let us not disappoint.
Lighting the way,
Fiya Librarian
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