I remember being taught at home and in the classroom that just because I have the right to do something, I need to think it over – is doing it right?

Even if you’re not an NFL football fan, you have probably heard about the latest football controversy that occurred before the last San Francisco 49ers preseason game. Cameras caught Colin Kaepernick sitting on the bench during the National Anthem. He explained later that he was protesting black oppression in the United States, especially by the police. Social media has predictably reacted with an untold number of tweets, Facebook posts, and editorials for and against his actions. My father and my husband both served in the U.S. Air Force, and many relatives on both sides of the family are veterans. I taught social studies and produced a patriotic Memorial Day assembly for the students at my middle school(s) for years. So I guess you know which side I’m on in this situation. However, I’m just SAD instead of incensed over Kaepernick’s action, because I’ve observed that once again we are divided by racial lines. On Facebook, several of my former students sided with Colin, seeing this country as one that is not a blessing for people who look like them. I taught them and still care about them, so I am conflicted about seeing my view as the “only acceptable ones.”

However, many in the news have no problem stating how they feel:  Donald Trump said, “It is a terrible thing. Maybe he should find another country that works better for him.”     Allen West took Kaepernick to task, citing his white parents, our black, biracial President, the last two Attorneys General, and the current Secretary of Homeland Security who are black, as are many police chiefs and officers. Former 49er player Glenn Coffee was exemplified as an NFL player who chose to leave the football field and its millions to enlist in the U.S. Army and defend our nation instead. And then there’s Philadephia Eagles player, Myke Tavarres, who plans to join Kaepernick and sit during the anthem at his next game. On and on and on it goes . . . and we are divided as a nation. I am reminded of the quote: “United we stand, divided we fall.”

I guess I agree most with what I saw written by Jim Wright, a Navy veteran and writer, who concluded his lengthy post by saying, “If you don’t like what Kaepernick has to say, prove him wrong.  Be the nation he respects. America must be worthy of respect.”

We have a lot of work to do, but I believe we can do it – one person at a time. We have to be a nation that follows the law. However, as a Christian, I know God has all the answers. He will help us come together as we treat others the way we wish to be treated. That’s why it’s called the Golden Rule, not the silver rule.

Sue, Voice II

I totally agree with Sue in that we need to speak on behalf of a united nation and not a divided one. We are such a global nation now that we have to look to the good of every citizen in our world and it needs to begin with looking within ourselves. In our book, “One God, Two Voices,” Sue and I have a chapter where we agree to disagree. That is because we see things from our own point of views, upbringings, and experiences.

When I reflect on Kaepernick’s latest actions, I assume that he is expressing himself from a prospective I truly cannot understand. However, if he really wants to sit down due to black oppression, then he should sit down out of a game every time a black on black crime occurs, such as the recent shooting and murder of Dwyane Wade’s cousin. America has and will continue to pay for the sin of slavery, but some African-Americans can’t pick and choose when to cry “foul play.” Either you are for uniting us as a country or you become a part of what continues to divide us as a nation. That is why I strongly disagree with any American dishonoring any historical  symbol of our country. I love our flag, the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty and the twin towers that were blown to bits and pieces by acts of hate and terrorism. Any disrespect to any symbol upon which the power and principals of our country were built is extremely hard for me to understand or support. Furthermore, the source of exchange  we use almost daily reads, “In God We Trust.” AMEN! Where and how does one separate and divide which symbols of America we keep, toss aside or disregard?

America is still “ONE NATION UNDER GOD,” whether people accept it or not. Our voices stand united as we admonish the Christian community to pray, repent, and continue to heal together as necessary.

Deidre, Voice I

Readers, we want you to join our voices! Please leave your comments, and feel free to find us on facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to get more information or book events.

Copies of the book can be purchased at https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/

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(classroomclipart.com)

It’s hard to imagine that the Two Voices have been writing this blog for almost a year! We made that conclusion when we looked at the calendar, and realized that it’s the time in some areas when school buses are running again, new clothes and backpacks are ready, and students are heading off for a new year of school. We thought it best to update our post from last year to once again encourage our teachers to realize how important their role is, was, and always will be. There are many quotes, plaques, and coffee mugs that state the obvious: teachers impact lives in so many ways, but it can never be mentioned too much. We salute you, have been you, and continue to pray for you. So here’s our updated post, just for you:

Another school year is beginning. Teachers, you never know who is sitting in your classroom. Some of my former middle school students are doing amazingly well. Many now have classrooms of their own, are managing their own businesses, enjoying nursing careers, at least one holds a professorship at a major university, several are world travelers, one actually made and played in the NBA (does the name Iverson ring a bell?), and my most consistent overachiever may soon be interpreting at the United Nations! Your profession is an honorable one that affects everyone who enters your personal domain – your room. God has placed each student – even the ones that challenge you the most – with you for a reason. Isn’t that an awesome thought! All your momentary victories, frustrating experiences, and headache-causing situations are fitting into the plan from Above. Make good memories this school year and try to enjoy each moment.

Sue – Voice II

When I reflect on the new school year, I remember Principal McGee from the movie “GREASE.” She dramatically plays the xylophone as she reminds the students how they can perhaps be the next Eleanor Roosevelt, President Eisenhower, or Joe DiMaggio. As she calls out the prominent names, the different characters who portray the high school students lift up their chins, poke out their chests, or display wide grins as they think on the possibility of being someone great.Today, we remind students how they can possibly be the next Condoleezza Rice,  Colin Powell, or Dr. Ben Carson. Either way, the bottom line is that all students really are already great within because of their Creator. They just need our help to discover it.

Question: How does the teacher or parent in you help bring out the possibility of greatness in each student or child you will directly impact in this new year?

Answer: We must remember to “look-up” and ask God to show us the heart of that child as He sees it. We must be mindful that each person has been given unique gifts, skills, and talents in order to perform or complete a specific assignment in this life. Parents and educators alike are given the privilege to help a child discover his or her reason for being. As God begins to show us things, our compassionate eyes become more aware and are opened to see new levels. This better insight enables us to love and mold the ones we least like and to discipline and challenge the ones who are so easy to love. All  of these actions can be done within such a balanced intricate realm that the best in each child is forced to surface beyond what we initially thought was ever possible.

Remember, you have the power to help every student you teach this year reach his or her next level of growth.  Please don’t waste it.

Deidre Hester, Voice I

The Voices have spent some time the past two weeks watching highlights of the Republican convention in Cleveland, and then the Democratic convention in Philadelphia. Since our candidates of choice did not make the cut into the final two, we’re evaluating those we would not have considered earlier for the office of President of the United States.

As related in Chapter 1 of our book, One God Two Voices, Sue has always taught and encouraged others to vote in every election. (Pg. 5). Not voting is not an option in a representative democracy. However 2016 poses a real problem for people who do not want to pull that lever for either candidate. What do we do?

WE PRAY . . . for wisdom, for our country, and for the final two candidates, knowing that God will honor that kind of prayer. People often say, “When all else fails, just pray.” However prayer should be our first choice, our priority. We agree with the Rev. Franklin Graham that this is the time to pray for our nation to turn back to God. It’s never too late for a revival as the following verse declares: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

We hope you will join us as we pray for that forgiveness and healing.

Deidre and Sue

Don’t forget to check out our Youtube channel and new book entitled “One God -Two Voices.”

Purchase your copy today at  https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/

(Pray It Forward Everyday FB post)

This has been a rough week. Questionable police shootings in Baton Rouge, LA, and Falcon Heights, MN, fueled protests that ultimately resulted in an ambush of police officers in Dallas, TX. Most of those who died over the last days were probably among those celebrating at the beginning of the week with July 4th picnics and fireworks; unaware that their lives were about to end. Three states . . . three tragedies . . . many mourning the loss of life for those gone too soon. Once again we are divided, not just over politics, policies, or laws, but by race. Will we ever overcome that age-old demon resulting from the days of slavery? Can we ever come together, try to understand our differences, and work to overcome them? Are we doomed to always be the melting pot that never really melted?

Coming from two different ages, races, and backgrounds, Deidre and I realize as many don’t that this melting can be accomplished because we have done it. Our closeness and love for one another comes from a power greater than ourselves. We were drawn together by our Christianity; by God, and our relationship has blessed others and been such a blessing to us.

We were led to write our first book, For Such A Time As This . . . We Are But Small Voices and then update it to our current work ONE GOD, Two Voices to try to explain what we experienced together, with our students, and our families. We sought to explain how coming together resulted in so much more than we could have ever experienced apart. We wanted to encourage others to take a leap of faith and get to know other people that don’t look like them, and learn that judging by the outside never gives you an accurate picture of what is inside. How many will read our work? That’s up to God, but we hope it helps to move us forward and not back. We don’t need more white hoods, a resurgence of the Black Panthers, or anything else that divides rather than unites us. We need our nation on its knees before a Holy God, asking for forgiveness for removing Him from our daily life, and allowing all forms of negativity to be ushered in instead. Will you join us?

Deidre and Sue; “We Stand United!”

This past Sunday was Father’s Day and for those of us still fortunate enough to have our dads, it was a day of good food, funny gifts, and just good times. However life goes on, and in the midst of marketing our book and living our busy lives, the “Voices” have had several reasons to celebrate lately and we are so thankful! Let me share my (Sue’s) blessings first:

Richard and I experienced a busy week of VBS – “Submerged” – at our church and saw many children learn about Jesus’ love for them. The Bible stories, songs, and crafts were wonderful, as was their mission-giving, which topped $1,500 for our Preschool Scholarship fund. I, the director, had to submit to a pie in the face as a reward for their generosity . . . but it was well worth it!

Then, our son married his beautiful fiancé last week and we became instant grandparents! Now we are vacationing at the beach, recharging for my next book appearance in Wytheville, VA, at the Chautauqua Bazaar, June 24-25. Life is good as my heavenly Father has shown His love in many ways recently. He is always with me, in good times and bad. It’s easy to understand His closeness in the good times, but we have to hold onto the reality that when we hurt, grieve, or simply don’t understand during the hard times, He is just as close.

Sue – Voice II

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When it comes to celebrating the blessings in our lives, I think about how there is still so much to be grateful for even in the midst of worldwide pain, agony, and degradation. Life itself can be the greatest form of a paradox to me.  Right in the thick  of brutal murders, natural death, and disasters, there is also a simultaneous steady flow of celebrations such as  births, graduations, and marriage.

Thus, my mind  ponders on, “How do we look beyond our pain in order to enjoy and appreciate the happy moments that life brings to us on a daily basis whether they belong directly to us or not?” That is why Sue and I wanted  to use our voices on this particular blog to offer God another public “shout-out” for all He continues to do with us and through us.

Monday was my mother-in-law’s 88th birthday. Over the weekend, our family had the opportunity to surround her with good food, lots of laughter, praise, and fun. I reflected on how “our” mother is still so full of glee, and the sheer glow of life still reveals itself as she ages.  I couldn’t help but also reflect on how so many others didn’t make it to see such a milestone including the many youth that I have had to witness being buried at such a tender age (One God, Two Voices – Ch.VI; p.80). Even  after such a thought, I still had to lift up my hands in praise each time I looked at the circle of love encompassing my mother-in- law.

The previous weekend was also full of love, laughter, and fun as we watched our niece exchange her wedding vows at the beautiful Butler Chapel located on the campus of Campbell University in Dunn, NC. The atmosphere was full of God’s glory, peace, and joy as we all recalled how His presence was felt during this sacred ceremony that God has  defined and ordained from the beginning of time between one man and one woman. Amen! Afterwards, taking pictures, eating dinner, and dancing at the reception were also enjoyed by many there, including my husband who had the honor of dancing with the bride after giving her away at the ceremony. I was also privileged to light the candle representing the Hester’s side which symbolically joins the bride and groom together as one united family.

One of the  greatest moments I experienced  was when  I  watched my husband during  the “father-daughter dance.” He first danced with our niece and then he danced with our own daughter. I felt lots of warm tears rolling down both cheeks on my face, but I felt so much joy and peace. How beautiful our niece looked as she rested her head on her uncle – a picture of peace and security. I also felt a sense of serenity and confidence believing that I would also live to see the day when our own daughter would be able to favor her dad in a similar way at her own wedding.

What a time we had during both occasions! Whether it was laughter over how good the wedding and birthday cakes tasted, the smiling faces of our children and grandchildren jumping up and down on the trampoline while we talked between bites of hotdogs, baked beans, and grilled meats during the birthday cook-out, or tears of joy during the wedding ceremony, it all reflected God’s powerful unfailing love.

Just knowing and acknowledging that God is always there with us makes all the difference in every situation whether it is happy or sad.

We cannot forget that in both the  good times and bad, God is on the throne and He still reigns.

Deidre- Voice I

Check out our Youtube channel and new book entitled “One God -Two Voices.” Purchase your copy today at  https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/