By Larry Stover

Valley Grande Baptist Church

I have been reminded this week of the power of “vision.” Scripture is very clear that, “without a vision, the people perish.” Whether it is a church, school, or a community, it takes visionary leadership to guide people in a positive direction.

If I could note the most positive element of the growth and development of Valley Grande, it would center around a great unified vision among the leadership of our community.

It begins with city hall. We are about to see a changing of the guard at city hall.

Several of the outgoing council members along, with Mayor Tom Lee, have been with the city from its beginnings in 2003. I have watched that group work together to develop a family friendly atmosphere that is second to none. I am anxious to see their vision maintained as a new administration takes over in a few days.

I have seen the vision of our school principals. They give remarkable leadership for our schools. Erika Crum at Valley Grande Elementary, Dr. Queen Morrow at Martin Middle, and Mike Blair at Dallas County High School, carry a vision for our children and youth that goes far beyond their education.

As I spend time with them, it is easy to see their passion for education, but also their desire to develop our children for life. They have passed the torch of their vision to the teachers and staff of their respective schools.

That passion is revealed in the continual advancements in test scores and overall academic excellence.

That vision for our community is demonstrated through the Valley Grande Ministerial Association. Pastor Clarke Skelton of Valley Grande Baptist and Bill Best of Living Waters Worship Center join with me on a regular basis to plan community activities for our churches as well as giving guidance through Upward Soccer and T-ball.

We all love our community. Each of us are committed to giving spiritual guidance to our congregations but go beyond that to letting our community know we are a part of the vision as well.

I saw it again this past week as Abrianna Kuhn shared with our church how God led her to start the Christian Youth Organization at Martin Middle. Now in our fourth year, we saw a record attendance this past Wednesday of 130 students.

This same vision is carried by many business owners in town. They work with the community, churches, and schools to make Valley Grande an awesome place. It’s a special privilege to live here and work here.

Most of all it’s exciting to be a part of a group of visionaries that see a dynamic at work in the community. It is a divine moment. It’s another reason Valley Grande is “Simply Beautiful.”