Dear Friends,
President Obama said something in his State of the Union Address that caused me to stand and applause (along with the legislators). To paraphrase, he told parents to take responsibility for children, hold education in high regard, and set high expectations.
I have learned both professionally as an educator, and personally as parent, that the most important influence toward a successful education is the attitudes and nurture at home. Other influences are also important, like work habits, ability, and quality of instruction. But nothing is as important as the love and nurture of parents.
So, I salute the families of Contra Costa Christian Schools!
Thanks for providing a home full of love and faith.
Thanks for partnering with teachers to provide the right environment for students to thrive!
Without your support, we the staff could not do our job. You are the key. Let me encourage you to strengthen your homes, grab hold of your faith, and make education a priority!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
His Image
Dear Parents,
I sold him short. The high school English class had a strong speech component. In the first weeks of school, each of us had to get up in front of class and make a short speech. He bombed. In fact, he seemed afraid. I wrote him off. Big mistake. By the end of the year, I saw him as a gifted athlete, great singer, above average student, and good friend. When we were together, I did the talking, but he did the planning. In my immature mind, I saw his fear of public speaking as an indication of weakness. I soon learned that he was an impressive individual, one that I looked up to. We have touched bases a few times over the years. He has learned to cope with his fear – and is a successful businessman.
I was reminded of my old friend after watching THE KINGS SPEECH, this past weekend. After the abdication of his brother, “Bertie” became the King of England at the crucial period of history leading up to World War II. Now King George, Bertie had to overcome a severe stutter that was so debilitating that most had written him off as incompetent. They were wrong. I won’t ruin the movie by divulging more details; I recommend the movie. (The R rating, I assume, is due to the use of swearing words, a part of his unorthodox speech therapy.)
Many of us have a tendency to jump to conclusions about those that have a disability of any sort. I was guilty in my younger days but I’d like to think that I am wiser now. The truth is, we are all flawed in some way, and some flaws are more obvious than others… It is time to see each other as God sees us – created in His image.
I sold him short. The high school English class had a strong speech component. In the first weeks of school, each of us had to get up in front of class and make a short speech. He bombed. In fact, he seemed afraid. I wrote him off. Big mistake. By the end of the year, I saw him as a gifted athlete, great singer, above average student, and good friend. When we were together, I did the talking, but he did the planning. In my immature mind, I saw his fear of public speaking as an indication of weakness. I soon learned that he was an impressive individual, one that I looked up to. We have touched bases a few times over the years. He has learned to cope with his fear – and is a successful businessman.
I was reminded of my old friend after watching THE KINGS SPEECH, this past weekend. After the abdication of his brother, “Bertie” became the King of England at the crucial period of history leading up to World War II. Now King George, Bertie had to overcome a severe stutter that was so debilitating that most had written him off as incompetent. They were wrong. I won’t ruin the movie by divulging more details; I recommend the movie. (The R rating, I assume, is due to the use of swearing words, a part of his unorthodox speech therapy.)
Many of us have a tendency to jump to conclusions about those that have a disability of any sort. I was guilty in my younger days but I’d like to think that I am wiser now. The truth is, we are all flawed in some way, and some flaws are more obvious than others… It is time to see each other as God sees us – created in His image.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Heroes
Dear Friends,
Our chapel speaker this past week identified a few heroes of faith in her life. Every person has a story. She grew up in a home where addiction played a key role. Her father was an alcoholic, her mother had food addictions. They weren’t bad people, just not there, not loving, not healthy. From a young age, our chapel speaker and her brother had a nanny. “Rose” was a Christian and showed love to the children through her attention, discipline, and protection. She was the “hands of Christ” to the two kids. She loved them and prayed for them. Our chapel speaker was able to rise above the circle of addiction and now clearly sees how Rose was her hero.
Who are the heroes of faith in your life story? Our chapel speaker would encourage you, like she did to our students, to identify those people who had a positive effect on your life and say “thank you.” Do it before it is too late.
And what about you? Are you a hero of faith? How is God using you to be his hands and feet? I’ve asked myself these questions and have to admit to a bit of discomfort as I ponder the answers. How about you?
Our chapel speaker this past week identified a few heroes of faith in her life. Every person has a story. She grew up in a home where addiction played a key role. Her father was an alcoholic, her mother had food addictions. They weren’t bad people, just not there, not loving, not healthy. From a young age, our chapel speaker and her brother had a nanny. “Rose” was a Christian and showed love to the children through her attention, discipline, and protection. She was the “hands of Christ” to the two kids. She loved them and prayed for them. Our chapel speaker was able to rise above the circle of addiction and now clearly sees how Rose was her hero.
Who are the heroes of faith in your life story? Our chapel speaker would encourage you, like she did to our students, to identify those people who had a positive effect on your life and say “thank you.” Do it before it is too late.
And what about you? Are you a hero of faith? How is God using you to be his hands and feet? I’ve asked myself these questions and have to admit to a bit of discomfort as I ponder the answers. How about you?
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