I may be crossing a line here, but still think I am going to share this. Every year I pray over my students and their families, my fellow teachers, and other staff members. When I saw this reel, I thought I would share it. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/Td7Gro1iMs2S6Tzk/?mibextid=oFDknk
I don't necessarily think it's crossing a line, but it is a personal belief that you can't expect everyone to agree with or even really want to participate in. I think the issue is when we force our beliefs and opinions onto other people. Like sharing this on your personal social media pages is not a problem, but if you are using this rhetoric in the classroom or when talking to parents, I could see how that would be crossing a line
Chief
Absolutely, I would never cross THAT line to stand in front of my students and subject them to religious rhetoric. My belief is personal, and I wouldn't force it on anyone! I saw the persecution a friend went through who was brave enough to state his belief when asked by a student.
I don’t think it is crossing a line, I do it too. (But not blatantly in front of anyone or in my classroom in front of students. ) It is your faith, your beliefs. I pray that others are praying for me.
God bless you in this coming year.
Chief
Thank you. I just know that some of our kids go through he'll on earth. If they can be at peace and feel calm in my room, and know that there is something different, I'm good with that. I don't have to preach or pray out loud. I just try to be an example of kindness and caring.
Awesome! Keep praying g for them and you to make the connection needed to feel safe and loved in a learning environment
Chief
Thank you. I pray over my family, our staff, students, and their families every day. I pray that regardless of their belief system or lack thereof, there will be peace, safety, and in my classroom.
Yes that's fine just don't do it at school or in their presence. I would pray for my students before going to work.
Just remember we have separation of church and state which means freedom of religion and freedom from religion.
I don’t think you are crossing a line. I think you meant crossing the line by even sharing the reel on Fishbowl. Is that right? Anyway, I pray for my students, families, colleagues, school year, situations, etc. Whatever I’m concerned about, I pray in order to lift the burdens from my shoulders into the loving hands of my Father in heaven. I know He cares for me and he cares for those around me. I don’t pray out loud for anyone. I understand as a teacher that I have the responsibility to respect students and families and everyone else. I take my influence on young lives seriously, which makes it easy to pray in my heart and trust God for the outcomes. It means I don’t need to make anything happen. I do my part by loving, teaching, praying.
Lastly, we all need to respect the beliefs and feelings of others. Even when we don’t agree. No matter what we believe we are due the freedom to live how we think is right, even if that is a religion that others don’t like. Overall we need to understand the intrinsic worth of every person and treat others accordingly.
Chief
Yes, I meant about crossing the line by posting on Fishbowl. Thank you for your comment. If I know a student is struggling, I will specifically mention their name during my time.
Love this and I started doing this COVID year! What a difference it made on so many levels.
Chief
I so agree. Yesterday, I noticed a SPO anointing the doors of the entrance and exits. I asked him to go ahead and get Mt door, too. In my heart and mind, I feel like "Let'sdo everything we can to add anitger level of protection for our kiddos "
Nice. I do that too!
Chief
When I mention praying over my students and their families, I am not doing that in class with them. That is something I do in my own personal devotion times.
Then that is perfectly ok because it's in your own time in your own personal space and not at the school. I once had my church to pray for my students during our worship service when we were in the 2019 COVID lock downs.
I guess I don’t know what you mean by “pray over.” Out loud to the classroom? To yourself in your room? To an empty room? Do you put this sign up so all kids can see? I guess I have questions…
If it’s by yourself, in your room, as you say, go for it. It’s not for me, but you do you.