So often I’ve heard the lament, “We’ve taken God out of our schools!” It’s stated as the beginning of the end for our country. As if we’re removing God from our country just because of some law that doesn’t let us impose our religious beliefs on others.
Next time you’re tempted to say this, stop and think. Is it true? Have we really removed God from our schools? Of course not! Think about the following examples.
That 1st grader sharing a pencil with her friend who forgot one. That was God.
That 11th grader stopping to listen to the 9th grader crying in the bathroom. That was God.
That teacher offering extra help to a student who’s struggling in math because he was just put into foster care. That was God.
That young boy with forgiveness in his eyes carrying the apple back to the bully who beamed him in the head with it. That was God.
That teacher getting cussed out by a student, but then sticking around waiting to talk to the student, hoping to get to the root of the problem. That was God.
That group of girls surrounding the ostracized one and walking with her through a crowd of taunts and jeers. That was God.
That smartest girl in chemistry class scooting her chair over to help her struggling friend. That was God.
That cheerleader, who’s been on the team for 2 years already, giving up her spot to let the girl with down syndrome fulfill her lifelong dream. That was God.
Wherever there is love, there is God. Wherever there is forgiveness, there is God. Wherever there is peace, there is God. Wherever healing is happening, there is God. Wherever we are, there He is. We haven’t kicked him out. Maybe we’re just looking in the wrong places.
Did Jesus say, “Stand up and make sure everyone around you is praying just like you are”? Or did he say, “Go into your most private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, Who is in secret”? (Matt. 6:5-6)
Do we need to put prayer back in schools? Or do we need to put prayer back in our closets, on our knees, in our hearts, where it belongs?
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