Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

Lynn Pinder is a Baltimore native who has made a tremendous impact in the community as an author, speaker, teacher and leader. From being the creative visionary and founder of the Christian Authors on Tour, to being a staunch advocate of youth development and literacy, Lynn Pinder is a woman to watch. And although her pathway has led to a recent relocation to Savannah, GA, Pinder’s “footprints” (along with her support for the Ravens) continue to keep her closely tied to Baltimore as she will always be one of our very own.

Pinder, who previously published Psalms of the Daughter under her company Take Action Publishing has recently released a new title that no doubt speaks volumes to her personal desire to impart wisdom and knowlege into others. More specifically, her new book entitled Daily Inspirations for Adult Learners provides rare and much needed spiritual and practical support to this often overlooked group of learners who have committed to further developing themselves through education. The book's official release date was October 11, 2011 also the author's birthday and what better way to celebrate!

The Baltimore Christian Living Examiner caught up with Pinder to congratulate her on her new book, new website and new beginnings!

JT: What inspired you to write this book specifically for adult learners?
 
LP: Just before I left Baltimore about a year ago, I was assigned to launch a GED class. In the room where I taught (at a local homeless shelter/resource center), there was a prayer calendar similar to one you might find on the Internet. Each morning someone would get on the loud speaker and start the day in prayer. I would then write up the day's corresponding prayer scripture and attribute on a flip chart and list a few action steps that correlated with the learning agenda. Sometimes we would discuss the action steps briefly before starting the day's lessons and although optional, most if not all of the adult learners were eager to participate. In fact when students missed a class, some would even request copies of the daily scriptures and notes taken on that day. These students realized that this small step was helping to create their own support system. I started writing down or photocopying each day's message and supplemental notes to track all of the things I had suggested to adult learners. When I moved to Savannah and began unpacking, I came across all of my notes from that class I taught in Baltimore. I thought about the persistence, drive and zeal for learning that many adult learners possess, and I was inspired to craft all of the items into a monthly prayer journal that would inspire adult learners to achieve academic success. I used the same prayer calendar along with the list of attributes that were posted on the wall. In addition, I published the action steps that I came up with as part of the daily message. The one action I added that I did not incorporate as part of the class was the writing piece. In the new book after each day's attribute, prayer scripture and action steps, there's space for readers to jot down their reflections.
 
JT: Do you believe that there are more challenges for the adult learner (versus school aged, teens, etc.)

LP: Yes, I do. Many of them face years of shame and embarrassment about their limited academic skills. Others are heads of households, spouses, parents and grandparents - holding down multiple jobs while still finding the time to pursue their educational goals. Juggling work schedules and family time are major issues for adult learners. I also believe that there are too few resources and support for adult learners. We always hear and see so many resources for school children. However, we don't always hear about resources to help adults achieve academic success. Oftentimes, adult learners don't even have the support of their families and/or friends to encourage them. This book helps those that do and those that don't understand that God has their back regardless!
 
JT: How important is it to have a spiritual foundation when embarking upon this journey that many adults take to return to school?

LP: I think a strong spiritual foundation equips adults with the confidence, tenacity and love they need to start and finish their schooling. So for me, it’s major, but I believe that it is imperative to have a strong spiritual foundation when embarking on any life journey whether it be education or pursuing a new career.
 
JT: I know many adults who are either in school or planning to return (including yours truly)...can you give my readers a little sample of encouragement from your book?
 
LP: When describing the book I always say it is a little book with a whole lot of impact because the book is quite small - only 31 pages to be exact. Yet, it was designed in a very simple way to encourage, inspire and motivate readers to stay in the right mindset regarding their academic pursuits. Readers have space to jot down their personal reflections after reading each day's message. And each day includes an attribute, a prayer scripture and action items for the readers to consider. I'll share Day 8. The attribute for Day 8 is "mercy." The prayer scripture is from James 5:11 - "Oh Father, grant that I would be full of mercy and compassion as you are, Lord." The action items for this day are to forgive yourself and don't get stuck. Also, forgive your instructors and classmates because they are only human and are liable to have bad days, too. Each daily message includes this type of simple and practical advice for anyone. Whether you are going for your GED, a professional license or a higher degree, this book will help you focus your convictions and build your determination to pursue your academic dreams.
 
JT: How do you intend to use this book as a) a tool for ministry and b) a tool for advocating literacy?

LP: Well, when people read the book. It is really an encouragement tool to help them stay on track. I think the scriptures will help ground readers - providing solace and wisdom for them through their journey as an adult learner. I think the fact that the book was designed to be reusable is also helping adult learners to not only read and express their convictions, but encouraging them to think critically about what actions and attitudes they should exhibit to achieve academic success.

JT: Lynn, I want to thank you for sharing with our readers and I pray that God's blessing will be upon the new book and every reader/adult learner who will partake. Many blessings to you as well in all of your endeavors!
 
For more information about Lynn Pinder, visit her new official website www.lynnpinder.com and for more book info visit http://dailyinspirationsforadultlearners.blogspot.com. You can purchase any of Pinder's publications directly from her publishing company, www.takeactionpublishing.com.