See You At The Pole

As a second grader, I heard a Bible story every morning. And it was read to me by my favorite teacher, Jean Reed. This was not private school. This was at Edgewood Elementary School in Homewood, Alabama. Miss Reed read from a children's book of Bible stories. It was a part of our daily routine, as was reading, writing, and arithmetic. I don't recall all of my teachers doing this, so this must have been her choice. However, she was given that choice and she was an instrumental part in teaching her students about God. These stories were the same ones my parents read to me at home- the same stories taught in my Sunday school classes at Homewood Church of Christ. I didn't think it was any more strange to hear them at school than it would have been at church. However, that Bible story may have been the only glimpse of God that some kids ever saw...so thank you, Miss Reed!

Today, my second grader doesn't have the privelege of hearing his teacher read him stories from the Bible. Things are different now with the separation of church and state. I'm not turning this blog into a debate, just observing how times have changed since I was a second grader in 1980. I am grateful that Cole's teacher, Laine Godwin is such a wonderful Christian example! She might not be able to read him a story about Joseph and his coat of many colors, but she teaches her students the difference between right and wrong, and she shows her love for Christ to them through her actions. She may not have permission to talk about God at school, but she does show His love to them everyday, and that's what matters. Thank you, Mrs. Godwin. I'm doubly lucky to have Mrs. Farned as Mary Conlee's teacher, too. She is a shining example in her students' lives as well!

We participated in SYATP this morning at Parkway. It is a great way for students, parents, and teachers to proclaim their love for Christ at their school. It took place out front by the flag pole. Several students read and recited Bible verses. Coach Newsome played the guitar and led our praise songs. We had a teacher and a parent pray for our kids, our school, and our nation. What a great way to start the day. No matter where we are in school or what year it might be, it's great to see that God is still in our schools. He will never leave them!