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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Staff (01/31/13)
I did not realize that when you are on a staff you are required to think as a group more than on your own. It does not matter what kind of staff, it’s a group of people trying to make the best decisions, but for whom?

I never felt it more than today. My name is Rachel Simmons and I just left a group of people in my school district that just explained their reason to me as to why my children could not come back to school. These people work at Lincoln Sr. High school. Along with that they are also my neighbors, some are church family. Their spouses hold jobs in the community as leaders.

It all started months ago. My children Lisa who is fifteen and Thomas who is twelve have gone to Lincoln since they were old enough to go, but over the years many changes had taken place in school, many faces of staff members have been added or changed.

A new principal had just been appointed. Many activities have been removed. This principal is determined to carry out the rules. Bibles are banned from school even if they were reading on their own time. They could not pray in any class silently or as a group, for it could offend someone.

Lisa came home that day with a look of total despair.

“Mom, my Bible was confiscated today; I was told that I could not bring it to school again. I only had it out at lunch time as I ate my sandwich. Principal Heffner told me that this was my second warning and I needed to have you come to meet with him before he would give it back.”

“Were you the only one?

“Yes, although Mandie was afraid to bring her Bible, we were talking about the passages we had just studied last week but we weren’t loud or trying to talk to others about it.

“We were in the book of John. How Jesus is the light and that no one could enter heaven but through Him. How He gives people the opportunities to come to Him and have eternal life. What’s wrong with the truth being told?” Mandie searched her mother’s face for the answer.

“Mandie, I am sorry that you had to go through this, I will go and talk to Mr. Heffner tomorrow.”

“Mom, I don’t want to go to a school that stops the truth from being told. I think that each of us have a choice to stand for what you believe. It is just wrong.”

As I walked into the school this morning I remembered what my daughter had said. I knew a battle was brewing and I could argue and fight but I knew that it would be a losing battle because we as followers of Lord had come up short in ‘defending’ Him.

“Mrs. Andrews, please sit down, when you called to meet with me I arranged to have some of the staff here to help you in understanding the reasons why I was holding Lisa’s Bible.”

I looked around at the small group of the people here. The matter was already closed; I could see it in the eyes of the group sitting before me. Man’s rules would prevail.

I still had my say, I looked everyone in the eyes as I told them they were wrong and if they wanted to take this stand, it was their choice, but they were wrong to think that I would back down or agree with the “rules” when it came to me and my family knowing the truth, although not alone, we were the minority in this issue. I told them that I would not stop Lisa from bringing her Bible at lunchtime.

“Well then, Mrs. Andrews, your children will not be permitted to return until you conform to our policies.” The curt tone in his voice let me know immediately that he was through with this meeting.

“As a Christian I need to say that I feel sorry for all of you, some of you profess to know the truth each week. Yet you are so easy persuaded to put Jesus down, to keep your jobs as you try and fit into a world that is fast approaching destruction. If you deny Jesus now He’ll deny you also. My kids will not be back, they will be taught the ‘truth’ at home. Read Matthew 10: 32, 33.”
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This article has been read 709 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/08/13
This was a powerful story that truly is indicative of today. Denying Christ and His gospel, and keeping God out of schools, and all other areas of government is the mainstay today. Yes, we are the minority!

I loved the MC and how she confronted the "group" - it was invigorating how she stood against "men" and their doctrines. Great job.

Excellent story.

God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/11/13
You did a nice job with this piece. I like how you introduced the main conflict right away and then had smaller conflicts pop up to reinforce the main one. I feel so naive as I read this and pray that it hasn't come to this state yet, but I fear it could be around the corner. I remember in 7th grade we all had to bring Bibles in to school and read sections of the Old Testament as so much important history lays within those pages. I've often wondered how now how some thirty years later how people would react to learning about ancient history via the Bible. Nice job on this story.
Danielle King 
02/11/13
An interesting take on the topic of 'Staff.' You've written it in a way that suggests it's true and happened to you and your family. I admire you for standing up for what you believe. How sad, that this is what's actually happening these days in the world. Nicely put together.
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
02/12/13
You speak for so many. Thank you. I do not know how those who have school-age children, and are not even reasonably acquainted with Jesus, can confront the system. My heart is hugging yours . . .
Verna Cole Mitchell 
02/12/13
I hope your story wasn't true--that our society has come to such an impasse, but you presented the problem clearly.
Susan Montaperto
02/13/13
A clearly presented realistic story, that certainly presents the time we are living in very well. God bless you for having the courage and conviction to live it and tell it.
Richard Hicks
02/13/13
Wow, very powerful meaning in your story. I enjoyed the simplicity and yet the deep meaning. It encourages others to stand for the truth, especially in this day and age.
Bea Edwards 
02/13/13
Bravo for standing on the Truth and for displaying it in this well written story.