(Sounds like it might be controversial. It’s not.)
A lot of what I know, I learned from kids.
That happens when you hang out in classrooms for 35 years. If you listen to them, they tell you lots of interesting stuff.
I’ve told you before about a question many students asked. I recall one instance. The young lady was one of my favorite students – bright, curious, and on this day wearing a “Jesus Loves Me” t-shirt.
“Doesn’t it bother you that you can’t pray in class?”
My standard (private) response was, “I pray in school all the time.”
She seemed surprised, so I continued. “No one can stop me from praying. Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.”
It was wonderful! Sitting there in a public school classroom we talked about Jesus’ commands about doing good without fanfare. She asked if I was hiding my light under a bushel, which I thought was cool. I pointed out that she knew I was a believer, so I wasn’t hiding very well.
We prayed together. I told her I admired her willingness to share her faith. She understood the need for me to be respectful of and sensitive to each student’s beliefs and backgrounds.
A quiet, serious discussion between two followers of Jesus…the way it ought to be.