You were a full-time teacher for over a decade. What made you decide to step back and take on a part-time teaching opportunity?
Leah: I believe being a teacher is truly a part of who God designed me to be. Currently, I work part-time tutoring English Language Learners at Richland Elementary School in Auburn, which is a K-2nd school. My background is in Early Childhood Education, so working with students in this age group is the perfect fit for me! These precious children are such a joy, and I love spending my mornings with them. Because they are learning English as their second language, everything is new and exciting! It’s so fun to watch them make so many connections to their native language. They even teach me new things! I’ve already picked up a little more Spanish and some Korean along the way. Working part-time is the perfect balance for me. I’m still able to fulfill my role as a wife and mom, but I also get to be a teacher, which is always a part of me whether I’m in the classroom full-time or not.
As a mom of two young boys, how do you handle feeling overwhelmed or stressed as a mother?
LS: Boys are busy! All children are busy. It is certainly easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed as a mother. My greatest remedy is to be sure I’m staying in God’s word and keeping my prayer life strong. I strive to have a time set aside each morning before anyone else wakes to read the Word and spend time in prayer. I have found that resting at the feet of Jesus truly leads to peace that passes all understanding. I also have a wonderful village to encourage, guide, and pray with me and for me as I encounter those feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.
People often say it takes a tribe to raise a child. What resources do you use to support your parenting journey?
Leah: I am very thankful for our church and church family at First Baptist Opelika. This is where Brad and I met and where we have the privilege of worshipping and raising our family. We have a wonderful children’s ministry that not only helps lead my children but provides so many resources for us as parents. It’s so encouraging to have friends with older boys who can speak wisdom to me on the road I am currently walking. The boys are also involved in Boy Scouts, soccer, and track, so teaming up with the other moms who are walking the same road is important. We lean on one another, share experiences, and offer wisdom.
What is the most important lesson you have learned so far as a mother?
Leah: I thought that having two degrees in Early Childhood Education and having taught school for over ten years, I knew the ropes and had this whole motherhood thing under control. However, I do not. Not even for a day. Being a mother has truly humbled me and taught me the importance of leaning on Jesus to sustain and carry me. I am nothing without His help. Sometimes, the days are very long. I’ve had to learn to give myself grace and know that My Heavenly Father chose me to be Sam and Will’s mom on the best and worst days. He chose me.
Knowing what you know now, what is one piece of advice you would tell your younger self?
Leah: Take it all in. The good. The bad. Just take it all in. Enjoy what’s good. Grow from what’s not as good. Love your people well. Time is a thief and the years move quickly! Love Jesus. Love others. See people the way Jesus would see them knowing that He gave His life for every single one.
With summer almost here, do you have any special trips or activities planned for the family?
Leah: My boys love to spend time outdoors exploring. We will spend a good bit of time hiking here and there. We enjoy going to the Kreher Nature Preserve and many other town parks. We are blessed with many wonderful parks in Auburn and Opelika! We also love to spend time at Callaway Gardens and ride bikes on the trails. Nature is important to us. We love to take in the beauty of God’s creation. We always head to the beach during the summer. The boys enjoy riding the waves and the go-carts.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Playlists or Podcasts? Both! I love a good tune and a good talk!
- Swimming Pool or Beach? Beach. All day, every day.
- Cats or Dogs? Dogs. Always dogs. Never cats.
- Tacos or Burgers? Tacos!
- Text or Call? Both! I love a quick text to meet up or a call to chat and catch up!
Leah Shope and her husband Brad are Auburn graduates and enjoy sharing their love for their Alma Mater with their boys Sam (10) and Will (6). War Eagle! The Shope family loves to be together, enjoying nature and family nights around a campfire or snuggled up to watch movies with pizza and popcorn. Leah enjoys baking, gardening, and dating Brad. Above all, her hope is that her Savior, Jesus Christ, is pleased with the life she lives.
*Photo credit Leslie Leanna Photography
Author: Staff
It is our pleasure to serve you and your family as the Wiregrass's #1 Resource for local families.
