The message of SCARS OF LOVE – Tears of Hope is simple. Become a “keeper of hope” and change the life of a child forever. SCARS OF LOVE explores the world of education in a surprising new light by using as a backdrop the stories of numerous at-risk kids Debbie Goforth has taught and counseled over her 27-year-career and by exploring the remarkably effective approach she has developed in giving them hope for their futures. SCARS OF LOVE is based upon eleven attributes that an effective “keeper of hope” must demonstrate, from being approachable and dependable to creating hopes and dreams and showing compassion. It represents the tools that have helped the author to acknowledge and validate her kids, to make them feel good about themselves and their places in the world, and, most important by far, to show them how much she cares for them as people and individuals, not just as warm bodies. It should be of no surprise to find love at the center of this model, because none of the attributes the book discusses mean a thing if they don’t lead to a willingness to love the kids in our care. For educators, as adults, as keepers of hope, we have a choice. We can choose to leave scars of love on the kids we see and interact with everyday or we can leave scars of hurt. In the eyes of Debbie Goforth, the answer is the only one she is capable of leaving: scars of love. SCARS OF LOVE may be written from a teacher’s point of view, but it is meant for anyone who loves kids and longs for their happiness and success. The stories are as poignant as they are refreshing. They evoke tears as well as laughter. They inspire as well as educate. They illustrate the author’s eleven attributes the way a beautiful painting brings to life a moving landscape. Join us. Become a keeper of hope.
About the Author
Debbie Goforth has been an educator and “keeper of hope” in the Texas school system since 1980, 27 years. She has taught at every level, but her primary focus has long been the tumultuous secondary school years. She has also coached girl’s athletics, taught at the college level along with continuing education for adults, and been a teacher mentor. She has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2003, she became an At-Risk Coordinator and turned to public speaking as a means of advocating for kids of all ages. Debbie has been promoting the phrase “No Child Will Be Left Behind” long before it came into vogue. She has been named Teacher of the Year numerous times, but it is not the awards but the rewards of seeing a child succeed that mean the most to her. SCARS OF LOVE – Tears of Hope is her first book.
