I seek to entertain and inspire with my words—weave a little fun and God-magic into the life journeys I share and I invite you to travel with me.
My mother was the first one to encourage me as a writer. Sweet Mama Dayle would smile her cheerleader smile and wave her imaginary pen, “Mary, you have the anointed pen of a writer!” I hadn’t written one story, but I had certainly told her plenty.
My mother knew I would I would be carrying on the legacy of writing both she and her mother had shared. Sweet Mama Dayle’s encouraging words still blow wind into my writer’s sail.
I am also a professional actor. I have acted in theater, commercials, and films. I especially love musical theater.
I once had the privilege of being directed by Francis Ford Coppola—yes, star on the door—in “The Rainmaker,” based on John Grisham’s novel. Matt Damon and Claire Danes were also on set with me. I still get residuals for the film—checks from Paramount appear in my mailbox every few months—reminding me dreams really do come true!
My acting highlight last year was being in “God’s Not Dead 2.”
Because of my performance background, I consider myself a writer and a storyteller. Sharing my own words live has been one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable experiences of my life. I have performed five of my stories on Tales from the South, a radio show, syndicated by NPR locally, then nationally and internationally from Paris to Africa. So my Mary Voice has traveled the world and maybe heard by millions!
I invite you to my watch Losing and Finding Beauty at 110 Degrees on Tales from the South. The story is about attending a high school graduation on a very, very hot Arkansas night and the surprising moment God partnered with me to heal a broken place in myself and my young niece, Audrey.
I have the heart of an artist and the mind of a mathematician. I recently retired from a rewarding math teaching career. I loved teaching mathematics and making a difference in students’ lives. One of my favorite students, Lilac, sent this warm and fuzzy e-mail:
“Ms. Lester, it was something you said yesterday. I’m not sure what it was, but I will look on the bright side now.”
As I share my Mary Voice, I hope you, too, will look on the bright side.
Love and Sparkle!
Mary Elaine Lester