A Call to Love Like Jesus

In a show of love, compassion, and solidarity, the fifth graders purchased and wore shirts to support their friend battling cancer.

Yesterday I subbed in a fifth grade class on the day before the last day of school. It was a little crazy to say the least. It was also awards day and so many of the parents would be coming to see their child get an award. Oh, yeah and it was also the fifth grade cookout. The kids were pretty revved up.

The day before, they had learned that a fellow classmate, who had been out of school fighting cancer since January, would be returning for the day. They had designed a t-shirt when he was first diagnosed, and they were asked to wear it and they did. Even the kids who were all dressed up, slipped the shirt on over their outfit to show support.

Two banners were made and signed by the excited students to welcome him back.

Ironically, this same group of children had another classmate battling cancer the year before. They wore shirts designed for her too, back in fourth grade.

When the time came for the little boy to arrive, the entire fifth grade class, filed out into the pod. As he came down the ramp and saw his banner, they began clapping for him. He was grinning. He looked happy to be back. Every child gave him a high-five. His mama and daddy walked behind him. His grandparents walked behind him, capturing it all on video. His mama and grandmama cried.

Tears streamed down my face as the children, uncoached, in unison, began chanting his name. It was an incredibly moving moment and I could feel the strong presence of God, whether or not prayer is allowed in public schools.

I picture a similar scene occurring in Heaven, when we overcome obstacles that we have prayed and struggled with. I also picture a similar scene in Heaven when we finally arrive there for good.

We returned to our classrooms and then to the cafeteria for the award ceremony. It lasted about an hour and the little boy won one of the last awards. He was invited up at the end to read a letter he had written. He thanked everyone for the cards and letters when he was sick and then he thanked everyone for their prayers.

For the second time that day, I saw God in public school.

I wasn’t the least bit surprised to learn that this family believed in prayer. The love and appreciation that glowed off of them as they walked through all of those students, could have only come from Jesus.

He ended up spending the entire day with his friends as they all got ready for middle school. He played some basketball with them on the playground and seemed to really enjoy himself.

The story warmed my heart and touched me to tears all day long, reminding me that we do not require permission to make God a part of our children’s lives.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate. But, love and compassion don’t discriminate either. Jesus loves all children of all colors. All lives matter to Him, not just people of a certain color, no matter what the media may tell us.

A bunch of fifth graders and their teachers, in a small town in rural Georgia, totally got it right. Every one of those people involved got to be the face of Jesus and made Him very much a part of public school.

May they be a shining example for us all.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂