Prayer Still Upsets Some People

Growing up in a Christian community was not easy and I often felt out of place. Attending a Christian school was much different than any public school I've seen. 1 -3 teachers taught all grades and all subject areas; we had a smaller school building, less money was available for special programming, fewer students in each grade, and usually more than one grade per classroom and less options of courses that were available. I remember parents and other community members teaching cooking, knitting, and woodworking. I realize that the best education possible was offered and for that I am grateful. I wouldn't change those years for anything in the world.

Since leaving home and now teaching in the public school system, I am even more aware of what community means and how being a part of a Christian community means so much more than "community" anywhere else. Although back then, I didn't necessarily feel "happy", I can appreciate the opporunities I was given to become my own person. My parents deserve all the credit for me becoming the outgoing, helpful and organized person I am today. As long as I can remember my dad was always outgoing: accepting of everyone, always helped whomever he could and never made rude or condisending comments about anyone. Thanks dad for being such a positive role model. My mom spent hours driving (and waiting) while I pursued my dream of becoming a lifeguard and swim instructor. She taught me how to cook, bake and clean. I can't imagine not being able to look after myself. Thanks mom!

Anyway, back to the teaching...
Community to many people is just homes, business, recreation and work within a certain area. That may be true, but underlying beliefs, respect and appreciation for one another change the "feelings " within a community. I often find it difficult to teach in a public school. For one, I would like the traditional "Christmas" program. I would also like to listen to music or share stories that were shared with me. I can only hope that my students see that I care about each of them and want each of them to be successful.

I recently received this email (below) and thought it was worth reading:

When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

We have abused power and called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

I have read this email over and over and it just seems so sad that people make excuses for everything. Some things should simply be unacceptable, yet laws are changed to accomodate those who continue to do wrong. This really upsets me, so that's all for now. Thanks for listening.

"If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything."