“He’s a force multiplier.” Those were the words of a former pro coach, now TV analyst, describing a NFL football quarterback.
What is a force multiplier? According to the coach, he is a quarterback, who not only plays well, but also helps raise the other players around him to another level. In other words, the quarterback, through his talent and leadership, enables the other players and the team achieve more than their perceived talent level. The coach said that is one of the characteristics of a great quarterback.
I’m pretty sure Beth McLamb didn’t know much about NFL quarterbacks, or probably had never heard the words “force multiplier” before, especially concerning football. She had other concerns and interests. But Beth was a force multiplier.
Beth McLamb passed away on New Years Day, way too soon, after a courageous battle against cancer. She had been an elementary school teacher until her retirement a few years ago, and had continued some substitute teaching even until last school year. There had been a previous battle with cancer that had been overcome, but it returned last spring and took its toll.
Why do I call Beth a force multiplier? Remember a force multiplier helps those around them to another level. Well, that was Beth. I was reminded of that by so many of the comments that were posted to her obituary. Here are a few comments from the many written in the obituary:
“She was more than a third-grade teacher — she was a mentor, a guide, and a constant source of encouragement. For over 14 years, she remained a meaningful presence in my life, shaping not only my education but my character.”
A fellow teacher at Hargrove Elementary wrote, “Not only was she a friend, but also a mentor. I valued her educational assistance as well as her spiritual guidance.”
Another teacher wrote, “While working at Hargrove we had many talks and she was always encouraging. She wanted the best for students and was always thinking of ways she could support them.”
There were many more similar comments in the obituary from past students and fellow teachers about how Beth impacted their lives. But I knew Beth from our church. Beth was a fellow member at Clinton Community Church. She served as a deacon in the church, and was also a great Sunday School teacher. More importantly, as one wrote in the obituary comments, she was “the real deal.”
The real deal that you knew you could go to for prayer and wise council, and many did. The real deal that, by her faith and devotion, had a connection to God, and wanted to serve Him by serving others. As recently as last spring, Beth was serving in children’s church, teaching the little ones about Jesus.
Beth was, as the Apostle Paul wrote, an “ambassador for Christ,” representing Him at school, church, wherever she went. As an ambassador for Christ, she represented His message, His methods, and His character. Like a good ambassador would do, she didn’t shine the light on herself, but on the One she represented.
Many are better because of the life of Beth McLamb. Another comment in the obituary brings it home. The person wrote, “Her strong faith was such an inspiration to all who knew her. She had a special way of making us better just by being in our lives.” That sure sounds like a force multiplier to me.