Growing up, M. Teresa Lawrence dreamed of writing children’s books. But like many creative children, she soon learned that her parents had a more traditional vision for her future. Making a living through writing was uncertain, especially in the competitive world of children’s publishing. Top publishers receive thousands of manuscripts each year, and only a rare few make it through the so-called “slush pile.”
So Lawrence pursued a more secure path that her family approved of: she became an attorney.
But even in the courtroom, Lawrence found herself drawn to storytelling.
“Whoever tells the best story wins,” she explained. “If a jury believes your story, you’re going to win the trial.”
And storytelling? That was her strength.
Lawrence built a successful legal career and a loving family—what many would call the American dream. But everything changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I lost many family members,” she said. “And I realized I wasn’t living authentically. That’s when I began taking intensive leadership courses—the kind that break you down and build you back up.”
These courses reignited her original dreams. When asked what she truly wanted to do with her life, she named three goals: write a children’s book, start a nonprofit, and set a Guinness World Record.
When pressed about what kind of record she wanted to break, her answer was instant.
“Since I’ve always loved butterflies, I decided to set the record for the largest gathering of people dressed as butterflies,” she said. “I envisioned it as a global event—even virtually. Kind of like how kids follow Santa around the world at Christmas, people could follow the ‘flutter.’”
While all three goals have shaped her journey, the butterfly dream has been the most visible—and, for Lawrence, the most delightful. She often dons butterfly wings, even while traveling.
“In a butterfly costume, there are no borders or boundaries,” she said.
More than just whimsical, it sparks deep conversations.
“People ask why I do it,” she said. “And I tell them, ‘We’re aiming for a world record to promote peace.’”
Her second attempt at the world record will take place on June 28 at Davy Jackson Soccer Field, in front of the local elementary school.
Lawrence will provide 500 butterfly wing sets for participants. However, Guinness rules require participants to wear matching long-sleeved shirts and pants—something she humorously refers to as convincing locals to don “long underwear.”
The current record stands at 367 people in butterfly costumes.
“Last year, we had 150 participants here in Jackson,” she said. “Globally, about 3,000 people took part virtually. But for the official record, only the physical gathering in Jackson counts.”
The event will include music, dancing, a butterfly release by Riverbottom Butterflies, and complimentary snacks and water. Wings will be handed out starting at 9:30 a.m., with the event officially kicking off at 10 a.m.
Lawrence’s butterfly project also connects to her transformational leadership work, especially in Kenya. That journey began after she authored a children’s book titled Gloriousness.
“I’m a Cuban immigrant, and my book is about the power of storytelling,” she said. “I went to Kenya to give away copies to displaced children because I felt it was my mission.”
The idea resonated deeply—so much so that she was soon invited to speak to educators.
“They asked what should be taught in schools,” Lawrence recalled. “I answered without hesitation: leadership. Because you can be highly educated, but without the skills to harness that education, you won’t go far.”
That response opened a new chapter in her life.
“Now, we’ve worked with over 18,000 children in Kenya and more than 2,000 in Nepal,” she said. “And we use the butterfly as a symbol for feelings, growth, and expression—not just for kids, but for adults, too.”
In professional or diplomatic settings, the butterfly costume might not make an appearance, but the impact remains.
“Sometimes I hand out butterfly outfits as gifts,” she said. “People laugh and ask, ‘What are you doing?’ But then everyone puts them on—and when everyone joins in, it becomes empowering and fun.”
That shared laughter, she said, is a vital part of the experience.
“Transformation is a process,” she explained. “You’re always becoming a better version of yourself. The butterfly represents that journey.”
She hopes the upcoming butterfly gathering will bring about that same sense of transformation.
“People will remember the moment they danced with strangers in butterfly wings, having fun and connecting,” she said. “Last year’s event was so joyful. Everyone left with a full heart.”
To her, this is how we build a better world.
“If you live authentically and know who you really are, you’ll be at peace,” she said. “I didn’t want to go to law school—I just couldn’t tell my dad that at the time.”
Admitting her truth, she said, brought her a peace as profound as the joy of wearing butterfly wings.
“It’s all about living your truth,” she said. “Once you know it, you find inner peace. And that’s how we bring peace to the world—by being who we truly are. Truth is the path to peace.”
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