Chruch and the Hand of God

There is a teacher here who has kinda of befriended me. She invited me to a Casting Crown concert and she and her hubby help me hang up my white board. Thankfully, she also happens to be a believer. Yesterday, she surprised me by saying that she wanted to go to church with me. I can't remember if I mentioned this, but I have been going to a very small Nazarene church in Kyle (so small that I have not seen more than 10 people there since I started to go). Anyway, I attended there mainly because one of my students went there, the deacon works at my school and because the only other church in town was Catholic.

On Friday I found out that one of my little babies goes to the Catholic church. I have been to a good amount of Catholic services all around the world and have learned much from their faith. We decided to go there today.

I can't tell you how pleased I was with the Lady of Sorrows community. The priest, a man who introduced himself as Rick I like very much. He happens to be a Jesuit and breaks every stereotype one could think of in terms of being a priest--at least every protestant stereotype. In the 1970's he taught at Red Cloud Indian Boarding School when it was still a boarding school. That alone really pique my interest at there is almost nothing but negative opinions about the Pratt's Indian boarding school plan. However, I could just sense his love for the Lord and the people of Pine Ridge. His congregation must sense it too for there was a surprisingly large gathering.

After entering the church, my teacher friend--whom I shall call Sarah--and I sat down. I was a bit disappointed to not see my baby. However, about ten minutes after the service started, two of my babies walked in with their family. The two are related--niece and aunt, I believe. They have the highest reading levels in the third grade and also happen to be racial minorities on Pine Ridge. The girls shyly waved at me and I could barely hide my foolish grin. In fact, I bust out laughing when I saw my girl walking with her hands behind her back as I had taught her!

After the service, which was short but sincere and powerful, I went up to meet the parents. They had a large family, I think seven children. They both seem a bit uncomfortable as if they weren't quite sure what to expect. They seemed to soften a bit after I gave both my girls hugs. The father then mentioned that his daughter said our class would be performing a play on MLK's life. I nodded and said that it was an idea inspired by the children. He then said, "I've got an opinion." At this point, my alarm radar went off and I very much expected a not pleasant conversation.

"And what is that, Sir?"
"I don't want my daughter playing the part of the Klu Klux Klan."

I was a bit taken aback as we had divided up all of the roles and no one had been assigned to play a member of the KKK. However, we had talked about having everyone in the class dress up as the KKK for one of the scenes since they obviously played a role in the Civil Rights (a negative role, I know, but a role nonetheless). Because we were still in the planning stages, I hadn't really thought about the KKK or any objections that might arise surrounding it. I thought perhaps he just didn't want his daughter associated with such an evil group, which I could understand.

"I can understand your concern. To be honest, I didn't really think about it. The whole class was going to dress up, not just Z, but maybe no one should do it all."

He seemed more than a little surprised and added, "She has already been picked on because at school because of the color of her skin and I don't want her to be associated with the KKK at all."

Looking at the blonde little girl, I angrily replied-"Has she been picked on in my class," ready to administer some very serious consequences if that had been the case. He quickly assured me that this had not been the case. I requested that he notify me immediately if either of the girls had any such problems and told them to do the same. I concluded by thanking him for raising his concern with me. At this point, it was evident that he was clearly shocked that the conversation had not ended in a show-down. He quietly asserted, "Thank you for listening."

I left that church praising God that we avoided so many potential problems that day by having an honest and open dialogue--a conversation which never would have happened if God had not led me to that church that day. It gives me so much joy to know that He is working for His children!

Keep praying!

P.S. One of the girls clearly needs glasses. Her eyesight is terrible and as I know this was an issue for her last year, I doubt the family can afford glasses. Please pray that I have wisdom in approaching the family in how to deal with this issue.

P.P.S. I have included a picture of Red Cloud for whom after Red Cloud School was christened. He is a Lakota hero as he is the only Native American to defeat the US Army in a war.