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Karen Ruth Shock

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Where Is God In Our Schools?

Where Is God In Our Schools?

Last updated on: September 30, 2021 at 7:05 am by Karen Ruth Shock

Where Is God In Our Schools? 2021-09-30T07:05:58-04:00 Karen Ruth Shock

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I work in a public school.

A high school.

A pretty big one.

In the middle of a pretty big city.

Just a substitute teacher.

Oh, and a cheer coach.

I see it all.

The days can be long.

Some classes are tough.

But I see beauty ever day.

I see kids help other kids.

And teachers who give their all.

I watch kids grow up into some fine young adults.

Students who were my worst nightmare as freshmen?

Becoming some of my favorites by the time they graduate.

Most importantly, though?

I see God in the school.

When I hear people say “Put God back in the school”?

I just want to shout back to them…

“God IS in this school!”

God has not, and I repeat, not left the building.

For one thing, we say the pledge of allegiance every day.

I know, right?

Can you imagine?

A public school saying “One nation under God”?

Yep.

Every.Single.Morning.

Then there is a time of silence.

And I close my eyes and say “God, be near today”.

I also say “Help me be your hands and your feet to these kids”.

“Help me let them know they are loved.”

Yep.

Every.Single.Day.

And I know I am not the only teacher who prays this way.

So many of us gather our strength in the morning by bowing our heads.

So many students do too.

Do you know what that means?

Yep.

It just simply means God is in our school.

Where two or more are gathered…

Oh, I wish you could see how many of us our gathered.

How many young and old people are learning and growing and living life together.

In one building.

We don’t need the 10 commandments hanging in our hallways.

Nor do we need a cross,

Or a statue of some kind.

We have the real deal.

Living, breathing temples of God.

People of all shapes and sizes,

Made in the image of God.

Teachers reminding students of who they are.

Students helping teachers see the World through their eyes.

All of us, working together.

I cannot tell you how many times I get to look into the eyes of my students and tell them I understand.

I know depression and anxiety.

I take medicine for it too.

Maybe I send them down to see a counselor.

Maybe I just take a couple of deep breaths with them.

But I do speak truth to them.

I absolutely do tell them they are loved.

They are not alone.

For real, I pray all day long.

Yep.

I know one thing for certain…

God is in our school.

faith

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