He walked on, the small book clutched tightly in his hand. Sometimes the other kids would see it and make fun of him or one of the adults that happened to see it would have that look in their eyes, you know the one, it tells you there will be trouble ahead. And yet, he walked on.
He didn't understand why such a small book could create so much decussion and anger. What he did know was that he had been taught to live by the words that were written on the small, thin pages. And so, he walked on.
Yes, he knew that not everyone shared the same beliefs he had been taught, he also knew that it was their right. What he didn't know was, why was it not his right to have his own beliefs? Why couldn't he bring his book to read during lunch break, to talk over his thoughts with others that were like minded? He had seen others do the same with thier books. He walked on.
As he walked passed all the other kids, teachers, mothers and fathers, fear grew in his heart. He found the strength and faith that his little book had taught him. And he walked on.
He takes the steps one by one and walks across the stage on trembling legs. As he reaches center stage he raises his book high for all to see, light dances off the gold cross on the cover.
He speaks....They tell me i can't bring my bible here, that this is a place of learning. Why are the lessons to be learned from this book not important? Shouldn't it be just as important for your child to know all this book contains as it is for them to know that 2+2=4?
It is your right and the right of your child not to read or have a belief in the words that are written here. It should also be MY right and the right of others to open the book and read it where we choose.
In parting, I ask you this, what if it were Jesus standing before you now, would you tell him to put his book away? Would you send him to the office? I ask only that you think of my rights as well as your own.
With that he turns and leaves the stage. His heart is pounding, but he knows he did the right thing. Those people didn't know it and most probably wouldn't have understood if they had, but Jesus HAD been standing there before them that day, yes, he had been there, holding up the young man on trembling legs, giving him strength, hope and courage.
And so, he walks on... |
