Others – Lydia

Brightening the day of others — Lydia’s Tutoring Story

Lindsay, David. 3 pieces, to Lydia Ann (Lindsay) Collier & others

Lydia was a woman in the world seeking to make others feel welcome, bringing her passions and skills to help others. She was not “just a woman.” She was strong, bold, and empowered others by her everyday actions. The joy that comes from womanhood should be celebrated and inspire other women to help each other through all that life brings, just as Lydia portrayed.

Like Lydia, can you take the initiative to get to know others? How can you do so? Start small. Work on talking to one person at a time. You could make it a goal to start a conversation with one person each time you attend a Christian meeting. Try to smile. If you don’t know what to say, ask questions or share something about yourself. Be a good listener. In time, you may be inclined to say more. People often respond to sincere words that are kind and pleasant. () Because of her friendly and hospitable nature, Lydia was blessed with good friends. If you imitate her example, you will be too!

“While others knew Lydia at the University, where she was a force to be reckoned with; I knew her in the incubator for that vigor, her apartment in downtown Charlottesville. Lydia completely inhabited her space; there were no boundaries between living, studio, and study. The walls served as an easel, gallery, and support for her art and books. The kitchen was both a source of refreshment and an archive for her research. These papers were not solely scholarly but a rich visual collage of colorful annotations made with markers and Post-its.