April 24, 2014
A couple years ago, I had a sweet encounter with a 4 yr old. I was subbing in Pre K in a public school. While waiting for dismissal, I was standing with a group of kids. One little girl randomly looked up at me, pointed and said, “You, Jesus?” Confused, I just did an awkward, “Huh?” and she clarified, pointed to my cross necklace. “Jesus,” she said again, and added, “Me, Allah.” Ah, now I got her meaning. She was asking if I was a Christian, a Jesus-follower. I’m always very careful in schools. I definitely don’t want to deny Jesus, but I also don’t want to break the law and be blacklisted in the public school system. So I usually try to defect the questions about my beliefs, just like I do ones about my age or marital status. But this little sweetie was persistent. And cute. So I simply responded, “Yes,” (I think).
I believe the way the law reads, teachers cannot teach or preach their religious beliefs, but can answer direct questions. I know most Christian teachers try to “live” Jesus and not talk about it at school. And I know of some who usually turn the question around on the kid, and ask what they believe. I usually try to change the subject, personally, or ask, “What do you think?” or something similar. But I do wear my cross necklace every day. It was one of the last things my grandfather gave me, a graduation present, and it is precious to me. Sometimes I wonder if it’s wise or even allowed. But I do it anyway. A lot of times if a kid is staring at it, I’ll casually tuck it under my shirt, to discourage conversation about it. But when asked a direct question, if I can’t deflect, I’ll answer it. So fast forward 3 years or so. Now I’m subbing in Pre K again, but this time her little sister is in the class. I spoke briefly to their mom, and later found out that the mom’s mother was sick. Cancer, and it is pretty bad. The teacher was surprised that the mom was here and not up North with her mother. The teacher, who is a believer, then asked me to pray for the mom.
Immediately, I was reminded of my necklace-inspired conversation with the older sister. I wondered, “Should I pray for her? She doesn’t believe in ‘my’ God?” Then I felt like an idiot. Of course I should pray for her. It doesn’t matter what she believes; it only matters what I believe and know.
“So, God, please be with (the mom). Please comfort her during mom’s illness. Please send your people to provide her and her family’s needs, extend your love, and be there for her. Lord, please send people to speak your truth to her, and to answer the questions, and make you famous. To You be the glory. Amen”
So did I make a difference this time? I don’t know. I just that I did all I knew to do. The rest is up to God. Of course, it already was.
