Legacy Letter to My Students

Throughout my elementary, high school, college, graduate school, and seminary days, I admired my teachers. I never had a teacher from whom I did not learn something. Because I learned so much during those school years, I wanted my life's work to be teaching.

After receiving a bachelor's degree in English and Literature, I began teaching in 1967, and I continue to do so 58 years later. Therefore, I am writing a legacy letter to all the students who have ever sat in my classes, heard my voice, and felt my passions.

Over the years, I have taught the following courses:

• English Grammar
• Literature
• Keyboarding
• All 66 books of the Bible
• Bible series, topics, and life applications
• Bible-related workshops

Whether you sat in a classroom, a workshop, joined me in a Bible study, or took online classes in this digital age, I want you to know that you were never just students to me. You were—and are—souls in bloom.

I saw you not only for what you were learning, but for who you were becoming. I watched you wrestle with questions, stretch toward truths, and sometimes stumble—only to rise again with more grace than before.

You may not have known it then, but every lesson I taught was layered with intention. Whether we were exploring scripture, writing reflections, or navigating technical skills, I was planting seeds—not just of knowledge, but of legacy. I wanted you to leave not just informed, but transformed.

Some of you have gone on to teach others. That fills me with joy. You are the torch bearers now, passing down wisdom with your own voice, your own style, and your own sacred authority. Others are still finding their wings, and that’s beautiful too. Transformation takes time.

I want you to remember that you were not defined by the grades you made or the titles you earned. You are defined by your courage to grow, your willingness to ask, and your commitment to become who God created you to be.

I taught you because I believed in you. I mentored you because I saw your light. I continue to write and teach because I know my ripple effect will reach people I’ll never know until we get to heaven.

Because I invested in you, God has put a check mark by my name because of everyone you invest in. In mathematics, that's known as the exponential function.

You are part of my legacy. And I am part of yours.

With love and faith,

Rev. Margaret Minnicks

Blessings for My Students

Here are short blessings for all former students, current students, and those to come. These affirmations will speak directly to you, especially to those in seasons of change, uncertainty, and growth. These blessings are whispers from my heart to yours.

• Blessed are the ones who learn slowly—God is not in a hurry.
• Blessed are the ones who ask twice—wisdom honors bold questions.
• Blessed are the ones who feel deeply—your sensitivity is sacred, not weakness.
• Blessed are the ones who start over—each beginning is a holy invitation.
• Blessed are the ones who doubt gently—faith often grows in the soil of inquiry.
• Blessed are the ones who forget and remember—grace lives in the rhythm of return.
• Blessed are the ones who speak last—your silence carries weight.
• Blessed are the ones who cry during prayer—your tears are testimony.
• Blessed are the ones who carry stories—your voice is part of the legacy.
• Blessed are the ones who show up tired—your presence is enough.
• Blessed are the ones who feel behind—God’s timing is not your enemy.
• Blessed are the ones who bless others—your kindness ripples beyond what you see.
• Blessed are the ones I invested in— because you are now investing in others through your own ministry.
• Blessed are the ones who are laborers in the vineyard — I am honored to have been an integral part of your growth, no matter how small or large.

Personal Note

I am writing legacy letters to everyone who has been part of my life in various categories. You are receiving this legacy letter because you are part of my legacy in some way. Therefore, you may receive another legacy letter if you are also in one of the following groups:

• Family
• Friends
• Teachers
• Supporters
• Employers
• Co-Workers
• Co-Laborers in the Vineyard
• Significant Others
• Critics