The End of an Era

Mount Vernon experienced an end of an era yesterday, and hardly anyone even knew. I need to go back seven years to describe my perspective....

We moved to Mount Vernon literally on the first day of school; Tanner's first day of Kindergarten. Steve and I accompanied him to his classroom. Steve had to direct me away from the building. Tanner looked terrified! I felt terrible. We were in a new town, we knew very few people - and no one at East Elementary. The teacher seemed nice enough, but I wondered what kind of counseling Tanner would require as an adult after this traumatic experience. We made it through the first day, a half day for Kindergarten, and I did what every mother would do who is plagued with guilt. I took Tanner to Walmart to buy a new toy.

Fast forward to November. As first, I did not know anyone well enough to keep Tyler in order for me to volunteer in the classroom, so dear Mrs. John allowed me to bring Tyler into the classroom with me. Mrs. John is the perfect Kindergarten teacher!!! She loves her kids each year like they are her own kids. She calms parents, like me, who might be more challenging than the kids. On the last day of school before Christmas Break, Mrs. John told me to be sure and come for the All-School Carol Sing. Believe me, I learned to follow instructions in Kindergarten, so I obeyed Mrs. John. What a blessing!!

East Elementary is a 100 year old building. The building smells like my own elementary school - Jefferson-Lincoln (some things never change). I sat in the dimly lit gym as all the children from K-5 quietly filed in to take their seats on the floor. With few words, the singing began, and I felt my heart leap with joy and peace. The music was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! I was amazed as they sang about Frosty and Rudolph right along with Mary, the angels, and Jesus. I leaned toward the person next to me, and said, "I didn't think public schools were allowed do this!" She smiled, shrugged her shoulders, and replied, "Welcome to Mount Vernon!" I look up and stared out the high, paned gym windows just in time to see huge, perfect snowflakes fall from the sky! I felt like I was in a Lifetime original movie!

From that day to yesterday, I have made it a priority, and a Christmas tradition, to attend the All-School Carol Sing at East Elementary. Each year, as the kids sing of Christ's birth, I pray for the protection of their bodies, minds, and souls. Yesterday, however, the music was quite different. The kids voices were still beautiful. Their excitement for Christmas was still contagious and extremely heart-warming, but Christ was uninvited.

For the last 2 years, the Mount Vernon City School District has been battling a lawsuit introduced by a Christian school teacher who is fighting for his "rights." As a result, Mount Vernon educators are fearful of the backlash. I think yesterday's change was a preventative adjustment to avoid "bad press." Thanks, Mr. Christian Schoolteacher! As you fight for your "rights," you are also ushering in a new era from kindergarten through high school in the Mount Vernon City Schools. The facts in your case are so confusing that I doubt anyone knows what really has occurred in your classroom, and between you and the administration. One thing I know, and predicted when this whole ordeal came to light, is that East Elementary's All School Carol Sing has been forever changed.

I am sad.

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God"
I Corinthians 3:19 (NIV)

Have We Gone Mad?

I am beginning to find a bit of humor in the clash of wording used in December. "Merry Christmas" is taboo in some circles, but "Happy Holidays" is acceptable. Some stores have holiday trees and holiday cards. Schools hold winter programs, concerts, and dances; and schools close for winter break. Whatever.... These activities in December will always be related to Christmas - nobody is fooled! Just like the folks who hold "Harvest Parties" in October, nobody questions the season that is celebrated! Christmas is Christmas - its meaning moves far beyond semantics. I say: Let's celebrate and celebrate BIG!!! Don't you think Christ is bigger than this clash???

I know it represents a broad cultural clash in the United States of American. But really, what makes a bigger impact on people (the foundation of our culture, and the only entity of eternal value), the use of words or actions? For example, when The Touhy's connected with the Michael Oher, what made the biggest difference - their words or their actions? By the way, The Blind Side may go down as one of my favorite movies of all time. I know truth and fiction are mixed in these types of movies, but....

Another example takes me back to my own K-12 public education. Students know who really cares and who does not. Teachers do not have to carry Bibles or proselytize to be Christ-followers in public schools. Their everyday actions in relationship with students, parents, and colleagues silently speak volumes - either honoring or dishonoring the name of Christ. Saint Francis of Assissi said is best, "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words."

When it comes to Christmas, let's focus on our actions. And, let's celebrate big by praying, and giving, and enjoying people. When Linus recites the Biblical Christmas, when Christmas carols are freely played, and when people joyfully carry out their Christmas traditions, let us pray, and give, and actively enjoy in the name of Christ. There truly is no other merrier time of year!

And, when popular culture ushers in stupidity this season, let us consider how Jesus would respond.

Oh, I just can't resist: