See You at the Pole

Early this morning students from all over our nation gathered at their school's flag poles to encourage one another and to pray together.  Our high school students met together this morning at 7:15 and I was blessed to take a few pictures.

Rachel was one of the students asked to give a devotion and a word of encouragement.  I watched in awe and out of a heart filled to overflowing with gratitude to the One who gave her a Word to speak this morning.  She read the majority of Psalm 139 and she encouraged all of them that each one of them is "fearfully and wonderfully made."  She looked at her friends and told them that each one of them was special to God and that He is always with them no matter where they go. 

I could cry just telling all of you about it.  God is so good!  Here is Rachel encouraging her friends:

and then several of her friends shared Scripture and sweet words of encouragement.  Words like, "Don't be afraid to stand up against the Goliaths in your life, Christianity is tough but it is a lot easier if you spend time with God every morning, and a reminder that we are all accountable for our actions because He sees it all." 

It was a great blessing to be among the students this morning.  My prayer is that they will take all that was said to heart and share that knowledge and encouragement with the many students who were not here this morning. 

Oprah did a show about the negatives of the public school system Monday afternoon and I have wrestled with it ever since.  I am blessed to teach in the public school system. I really believe that!  While many days are challenging and often hard, it is a ministry that I am so grateful to be a part of.  Oprah talked negatively about the poor quality of teachers, low scores on tests, teachers who say that they get paid whether they teach or not, drop out rates and on and on and then she applauded Charter schools.  She  gave millions of dollars to 7 charter schools at the end of that show. I work on a campus with teacher who care about their students, who try so hard to make sure all students succeed.  We worked hard to gain our recognized Campus rating and we are not taking a second of it for granted.  The answers to the public school issues in America are not longer teaching days, better guidelines, or training, it's Jesus!

There is so much apathy among students, even in our high school.  And the only cure is Jesus.  But, isn't He the very answer to it all?! 

I always try my best to start my day with the Lord and to pray for my family and my students and my prayer is that they do see Jesus in me and that He is somehow glorified in the way I choose to teach and treat my students.  Seeing the students gathered together in prayer this morning encouraged my heart greatly!  Oh, that our entire school and community could see Jesus in each one of them. He is the answer!