“True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.” Helen Keller

It gives me great pleasure to introduce my lifelong friend, Minister Lynnette Archer. I first met Lynnette way back when we were in 4^th grade. Our friendship has spanned four decades. In essence, I barely remember life without her in it.  Lynnette is a multi-talented woman of excellence, who puts her heart into every she does. It was fun to dig a little into her beautiful heart and mind. I learned a few new things about her that cause me to admire her even more. I am inspired by Lynn’s love for God, her selflessness, her heart for service, her creativity and love for her family and friends. I know that’s a mouthful, but she is amazing.  I hope that you find a few nuggets of inspiration in Lynnette’s transparent responses that will encourage you on your journey of becoming.

Have you always wanted to be a teacher?
Yes. Since I was quite young it was a dream of mine. I had one teacher at an early age who in my eyes was the epitome of who a teacher should be: loving and caring, yet stern.  Despite many challenges and detours, looking back, I see that God was preparing me for this role all along. I’ve always loved encouraging others and sharing knowledge, and over time, I realized that teaching was the perfect avenue for that.

What drew you to teaching, and what do you love most about it?
I was drawn to teaching because I love seeing growth—both academically and personally—in my students. The moment when a student realizes their potential or overcomes a struggle is what fuels my passion. Besides, you can learn so much from children.

Can you share a memorable teaching moment that had a significant impact on you?
There was a student who struggled with her studies and was often on the verge of giving up. After much encouragement and guidance, she finally had a breakthrough. The joy and confidence on her face reminded me why I do what I do. It reinforced that teaching is not just about academics, but about building character and faith. Even as an adult, this former student is still an integral part of my life.

What advice would you give to other teachers who want to inspire and positively impact their students? Teach with love, patience, and purpose. See your students as individuals with unique stories and backgrounds. Speak life into them, pray for them, and let them know that they are valued beyond their grades.

How do you weave your spiritual beliefs into your everyday life and the various roles you play? I view every role: wife, teacher, mentor, friend as a ministry. Whether it’s praying over my students, encouraging a friend, or serving in ministry, I seek to reflect Christ’s love. I am nothing without God, and fail miserably when I lean to my own understanding. I rely on the Word and prayer to guide my interactions and decisions.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” This verse reminds me that God’s plans are always greater than my own, even when I don’t understand the journey, there is a greater purpose at work.

How do you balance your multiple roles (teacher, wife, mother, daughter, minister…)?It’s not always easy, but I prioritize God first, then my family, and everything else flows from there. I am still learning to set boundaries, asking for help when needed, and giving myself grace in areas where I fall short.

What creative projects or hobbies are you passionate about right now?        I enjoy spending time in nature, writing, painting, and anything art and craft related. It has been difficult recently to find time for my creative side, but I do plan to get there.  When I’m in “creative mode” I feel like my truest self.

Can you tell us about a project that you are particularly proud of and why it stands out to you?
I helped organize a mentorship program for young people on Grand Bahama, combining faith, public speaking and personal growth. Seeing them gain confidence in their talents and identity has been incredibly fulfilling.

What qualities do you value most in your friendships? Honesty, encouragement, loyalty, and a shared faith. True friendship is about uplifting each other and growing together.

Can you share a story of a friendship that has deeply impacted your life?
My dearest and longest friendship has been with my childhood friend since we were 9 years old.  This is a rare connection; our relationship has truly stood the test of time.  Through the changing seasons of life our shared faith has been our foundation.  She has prayed, encouraged, and reminded me of my worth during seasons of doubt.  I am always so godly proud of her accomplishments as a wife, teacher, ministry leader, and author. She’s a true light in this cruel world.

What advice have you been given that you will always remember? “Your identity is in Christ, not in your role or achievements.” This has kept me grounded through different seasons of life.

What is something you do or say that your friends and family can recognize you by?
Hmm… this is a hard one. I think that although there may not be a particular phrase, my friends and family know that they can always come to me for sound, (and I hope not judgmental) advice in addition to sharing a few jokes.  I love a good laugh!

Three lessons you’ve learned in life…

– God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with my own.
– People matter more than tasks, relationships should always take priority.
– Small acts of kindness can have a big impact, you should never underestimate the power of encouragement.

What do you want your legacy to be? I want to be remembered as someone who loved deeply, lived authentically, encouraged others, and pointed people to Jesus through my life and work.