I first got to know Mrs. Ellis when I was in seventh grade. My family home schooled with her’s at a co-op. She taught Life Management. The lessons she taught me then I still carry with me today. I learned practical ways to live out Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing through selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” I learned “When you think something nice, say it.” She taught me to be a “There you are” person, not a “Here I am” person.
She even taught us tips on speaking in public. I’ll still find myself thinking “That’s not good people skills.” Or, “They have great people skills.” I am blessed to have gotten to know Mrs. Ellis and learn from her ministry how to love Jesus and others well.