IQ #261 R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Greetings my Friends. The InnerQuest I am bringing to you today has a heartfelt urgency to it that may be for my own benefit, but hopefully full of value to who you are and who you will become.

Respect:

A feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc.

A feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way

A particular way of thinking about or looking at something 

Titus 2:6-8a

Encourage the young men (and women) to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned,

Integrity:

Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values:  incorruptibility

An unimpaired condition:  soundness

The quality or state of being complete or undivided:  completeness

Seriousness:

 Implies a concern with responsibility and work as opposed to play

This past Friday afternoon was a very tense moment for me as I and all those around me were facing a form of chaos that needed immediate addressing. Instead of following the guidelines I had been taught and set for myself, and by the rules governed to my position of authority, I lost it. I lost my cool.

When nothing else was working to control the misguided behavior I was surrounded by, I let out a voice that was heard by all in the room and most likely by people throughout our galaxy. It was deadly serious, full of anger and disappointment. In short direct words I said, “Sit down and shut up!” 

The room was immediately quiet and the situation was addressed and a more civil attitude ensued. But, it came at a cost.

Back in the early part of the year, Connie (my wife) mentioned to me that the school in which she worked could really use someone like me. The school was full of unruly students, many with behavior and emotional issues that needed one on one guidance. Teachers and other staff members were overwhelmed in being able to meet the needs and requirements to give students a proper education.

I met with the principal and we discussed the school’s needs and how my experience working with students could help ease some of those needs. A position of teacher’s aide was offered. I would be working primarily one on one with a student, and also helping out the teacher in the student’s class, as well as other teachers with their needs, when available. I accepted the offer, but it came with a cost.

The company I was previously working for would need to close its doors within a few weeks, because I was the only full time employee. (Due to economics and the changing of our industry’s nature of business, the closing of our shop was going to happen in the near future anyway. I just sped it up). This job change would also mean a significant change to my family’s finances. 

As a follower of Jesus Christ we are often called to make sacrifices for the benefit of others, and to honor God’s calling.

2 Timothy 4:1-5

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

I need to be an example of everything that has been commanded to me, not only in spreading the gospel, but in areas of my life that are not directly related to any religious organization or movement. Friday I was not a good example.

“Shut up” is a phase that I have rarely ever used. In the 39 ½ years that Connie and I have known each other we could only come up with one other time. Friday’s outburst came with a cost; I lost my patience and control. Students and staff saw a side of me that really doesn’t exist in who I am over all. 

The rest of my little tirade went on like this, “That is ENOUGH!.. When the principle walked in here earlier you got quiet, but when she left you started back up. Every teacher and staff person in this school is to get that same kind of respect. Do you understand?” a few said yes. “’Yes sir!’ Is to be your response” “Yes sir.” Was their reply.

The other cost is that these students have no idea who I am, other than I am Mrs. Smith’s husband. I don’t even know if they know how great their teachers are, because from the very first day I started it has been a chaotic nightmare. Yelling, angriness, short fuses and unable to get hardly any work done, and that’s just the teachers and staff. I am part of that staff.

I literally felt sick to my stomach Friday night and my head felt like a vice was trying to make my ears touch.

I spent much time in prayer and scripture reading with a determination that I will not fall into that trap again. The school needs the abilities that I have been given and trained in. The road won’t be easy, but I have an awesome guide with immense power, grace and love.

Connie said I need to use the tools I have that can be incorporated with the teacher’s lessons when the time is given. I had already thought of one thing to do. Every morning each class starts the morning reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  I made a careful observation of this ‘practice’ and I personally think it is a wasted opportunity to learn and recall, because they are unaware of what it really means and stands for. 

I looked up Red Skelton’s ‘Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance’. I have seen this video many times and believe everyone should see this video or read the transcript. It is powerfully said and written, and it is who we are or to be as American citizens.

A few hours later, a dear friend posted that same video on Facebook. God must be speaking to me.

I will have the audio ready and the commentary printed out for Monday morning, and with the permission of the teacher I will present the pledge to them in a new light, so whenever they say the Pledge of Allegiance they will know its meaning. 

These students come from backgrounds very different from mine. I am knowledgeable of the types of lives they are living, but I have never lived their life. I cannot expect them to be like me, so I need to give them a level of respect to where we can communicate in a way that provides good growth in each student. The students must also give respect to the teachers and staff so that they can learn in the best way possible. The students must also show respect for each other.

I will continue to respect God’s calling for me and weather any storms that come my way. I put my trust and faith in God and he has seen me through everything, good and bad.

James 1:2-5                                                                                                               Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Take care. TCB”

With the love of Jesus Christ,

Papa John 3:05:16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZBTyTWOZCM     (Red Skelton video)