A Kindergarten Girl Who Taught Me So Much.

M will take place of the girls name

A little girl died yesterday at the age of 6. She was a girl who I got the pleasure of knowing while I was a Para at Ogden Elementary School. She tested my patience at times, but whenever she saw me outside the classroom she would yell, "Mr. W." and run up and give me a hug. At times she was defiant, but that seemed to be her way of testing you. She wanted to know what she could get away with. One day she had a seizure in class, and I was just getting back from lunch. Another student ran out of the classroom and when asked what was wrong, she said, "M is having a fever." So we went to the nurse and got the medication we needed that was supposed to stop it, but by the time we got there her seizure stopped and she was sleeping. So we got a wheelchair, and I picked her up and took her to the nurses office, and by the time I laid her down, the fire alarm went off, so I had to put her pack in the wheelchair and take her outside. I always felt for her, because my wife has epilepsy, and my sister did as well, it was one of the reasons I wanted to work with her.

One of my most memorable moments with M was when she had earned her 5 pennies. (The 5 pennies was a reward program that we had used to reward the good behavior, so she wouldn't be as defiant.) She usually wanted to go on the computer, or go see Mrs Ehie, but this time she wanted me to read to her, and to use hand puppets. When I got done reading, she wanted me to read again, but I told her we had to rejoin the class. So in her sweetest voice she said, "I love you Mr. W."I just smiled and told her if you earn your 5 pennies again I will read to her again, so she agreed and went back to class. However, when she earned those 5 pennies she didn't want me to read to her, she wanted to go see Mrs. Ehie. I will never forget the walks to go turn in the attendance, the hugs, and the smiles. She taught me patience, and she reminded me why I chose to do what I do. She reminded me the love I have for children.

As Jesus says in Matthew 19:14 "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." I pray that M is enjoying heaven right now, and I look forward to the day when I can thank her for being herself, and reminding me of why I am in the ministry.

Politically correct

Well, it is that time of year again. The time of year where the ACLU jump at the chance to sue small towns for saying Merry Christmas in public places. We have gotten to a point where being politically correct is the new norm. You cannot offend a non-Christian. Christians do get the raw end of the deal, they cannot worship openly without offending anybody. They cannot celebrate their holidays without reading a news story of another town with a high tradition of putting a manger scene in city park having to cave to the ACLU because one person gets upset. It is sad to see, but it is not surprising. In my opinion America has raised a bunch of quitters. People are too afraid to stand up for what they believe in. They are taught to conform with everybody else. We need to raise a new generation of leaders, ones that are willing to go against the grain, and be able to take the heat, when the world is against them. How do we do it? It all starts in the home.

Step 1- Parents have to be parents again. The other day I saw a news article about a woman suing McDonalds because their ads make her kids want a happy meal, and she normally gives in. That isn't being a parent. What is wrong with saying "No!" and that being the answer? Luckily for me I have seen many friends of mine, who I think will raise great kids give birth to children. I at least know there will be a few good leaders.

Step 2- Don't let the school's be the only teacher. Schools today are trying their best to teach our kids, but their is little to no support from the parents. Schools can only do so much, and there is not much time for the child to build their own beliefs. Teachers are now pretty much forced to teach a test, and that is how we figure out if a school is passing or failing a child. Students are over loaded with information, and many times that information can be contradictory with what your beliefs are.

Step 3- Be the role model you are supposed to be. Do your homework, find out what you believe and stand up for it. Don't sit back and do nothing, just because you are one person. If you let somebody jump all over you because your beliefs are not politically correct, your child is going to see that. Make a stand! Show your child that you are not afraid to stand up for what you believe in. Show them that you are a leader, and that it is okay to go against the grain.


Now, I would like to take this time to wish all of you a Merry CHRISTmas. Hope you all have a safe holiday, and this New Year make it a point to do your homework, figure out what you believe and stand up for it. Be a true role model for the younger generation, and who knows maybe our next generation will have the best leaders this world has ever seen.