Gratitude, Hope, and a New Beginning

Dear Redeemer School Families and Staff,

I have no words to match how full my heart feels. It’s truly overflowing with gratitude in ways that I couldn’t even have predicted, even in a year where I determined our theme was “Overflow!” The diploma I received from our 8th graders, the song they wrote and performed for me at chapel, the poster our middle schoolers made for my door, the hugs, notes, and gifts from students, families, and staff have left me in awe and humbled. Thank you is not enough!

This past week, a beloved family shared this amazing painting they created for me, entitled “Eyes to See.” Friday morning, a dear parent shared with me that they appreciated how I seek to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. I quickly responded to him that I wasn’t as attentive before my time serving at Redeemer School. I’ve been reflecting on the painting and my response to the parent, remembering a very important moment at the beginning of my leadership journey here, when I read this quote, which Valerie Barclay wrote on a whiteboard for new staff to ponder:

That quote brought new understanding to our mission statement, which I had been studying at the time. The emphasis at the end is mine: Redeemer School is a community of like-minded families committed to nurturing students in their relationship with Jesus Christ and engaging them in the lifelong pursuit of wisdom and knowledge as they discover, embrace, and integrate God’s truth in all of life.

It is by the Holy Spirit’s enabling power that we can discover, embrace, and integrate God’s truth, and that sparked a new understanding that every single subject and every single thing, all of life, can point us to our loving Creator. I am forever changed by this truth, and I can confidently say that I personally experienced our motto that “lifelong learning grows here!”

When I began this role seven years ago, I knew the Lord had led me here, but I quickly became aware of all I did not know and how weak I truly was. When I read that quote and pondered our mission statement, it unlocked a new freedom for me that gave me hope that the Holy Spirit would lead me and teach me. It was only because of the Lord’s enabling strength and power, coupled with the deep knowledge that I could do nothing in my own power, that I was equipped to serve. Realizing our weakness and need for the Lord can be our greatest strength because we can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13

As my season as Head of School ends and we embark on an exciting new beginning, it is my prayer that the Lord continually reminds us to remain reliant on Him, to grow in our understanding of the infinite nature of our loving and faithful Father, and to trust and respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading as sons and daughters of the King, bringing glory to His name.

Speaking of new beginnings, I am thrilled about the next season at Redeemer School! It has been such an honor to get to know Tim Hilliard, and I affirm the Board of Directors’ description of his thoughtful and incredibly relational leadership style. I was with him when he toured our school, visiting reading buddies, and couldn’t help but take a picture of his interactions because they were so genuine. I could have snapped many more just like this one! 

From our first conversation and each interaction since, I have grown increasingly confident in his commitment to our mission and philosophy. I am already inspired by his wisdom, insight, reliance on the Lord, and appreciation for our school. I already see gifts and talents that our school needs in this next season of leadership, and I look forward to joyfully and humbly supporting him!

May we all overflow with gratitude for the Lord’s continued faithfulness as we look forward together with excitement for God’s unfolding story and His glory at Redeemer School for the next 30 years and beyond.

Grace and peace,

Loryn Faile