Have you ever found yourself having an adult conversation and realized that a child was within listening range? What happened? Voices were immediately lowered or the topic was quickly changed.

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It seems we are in a situation right now where outrageous political behavior is not only openly discussed, but also shown on TV and social media repeatedly. I don’t think the public realizes how this can impact our children and the learning process. From kindergarten to high school, the next generation is watching and listening; then bringing often heard opinions into the classroom. Teachers, you have my sympathy on yet another distraction from your daily lessons.

When Deidre and I were discussing this post, she was reminded of a song, “What About the Children?” that Yolanda Adams sang years ago. One particular line still stands out to her: “To ignore them is so easy.” I pray that isn’t true for those of us in the education profession. We understand that children are our legacy and deserve our best. This is the opportunity to teach them and reach them because this year’s political climate gives educators an opportunity to have a rational discussion about differences, appropriate behavior, and positive scenarios. Even young ones are beginning to understand that some actions and speech are not acceptable. Unfortunately, they are also learning that even some adults have not mastered those skills. Your efforts to promote right over wrong is always a necessary one, and who knows – that might be the very best thing to result from this year’s tumultuous election coverage.

Sue and Deidre – “The Two Voices”

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Is the current presidential race an appropriate topic for the Two Voices blog? We’ve decided it is, especially after both of us read an article written by Russell Moore from the Christianity Today’s website entitled “Should Christians Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils.”

The raucous debates of the 2016 election are probably leaving a sour taste in the mouths of many people, and serving as free entertainment for others. Never before have I remembered such distasteful rhetoric coming from those who are running for the highest office in the United States. Every time I listen to the name-calling, hear about the “cheap tricks,” or reporters hinting at yet another misstep by one or more candidates, I just wish that those who stand for right were respected and leading in the polls instead of those who are participating in “sophomoric” behavior. I know students are watching because I taught Social Studies and would definitely have been following this race with them if I were still in the classroom. How embarrassing that would be! In this age of reality television, explicit videos, and tell-all social media, I guess the only candidates to garner the attention of the masses are those who fit the bill for the same type of entertainment. I would hope we would want someone a bit above that kind of behavior as the leader of the Free World!

So what should I do (and recommend for you as well) as this election process plays itself out? First of all, I need to pray for the candidates and also for myself, so I can choose wisely. Then I should carefully watch what is happening on the campaign trail by listening to several reports and networks to get an un-biased view. I need to decide who best represents what I feel are the most important issues with which our country needs to deal. The United States is failing in areas where we used to lead. This needs to stop and now!

I agree with Franklin Graham that also praying for our nation is so important at this time, especially the prayer from II Chronicles 7:14:

“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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

I am watching as Mr. Graham travels to every state capital this year, holding prayer rallies for our country in each. I think even those who don’t usually think about prayer and the United States in the same sentence are finally realizing that we have strayed far from where we used to be. A former student recently posted that he is worried about the type of country his small children will be inheriting. That’s my feeling as well. Don’t choose the lesser of two evils! If you feel your candidate of choice is better than the ones nominated, I encourage you to avoid the “lesser” and write him/her in on the ballot, making a statement for good. God bless.

Sue – Voice II

I wholeheartedly agree with Russell Moore and Sue that choosing the lesser of two evils is still evil. We cannot pray to and acknowledge God by asking Him to direct us, and then do as we choose without any  regard to the direction we have been given. I did that eight years ago when I prayed about the hearts of the candidates. Realizing that only God knows the true motives of our hearts (Jeremiah 17:9 and I Samuel 16:7), I petitioned God regarding how I should cast my vote. I believed I was given direction, and I voted accordingly. However, in the very next election, I voted for the same candidate who I had previously rejected. It was obvious that I had leaned to my own understanding, and I had cast off God’s direction. I can openly speak on it now without any shame because I have privately repented to God, and I do not plan to make that particular mistake again.

 I feel such an obligation as a citizen of the United States to vote during each election now, although I previously did not feel that way (One God, Two Voices – Ch.1).  My decision to vote for the lesser of two evils in the last election is one I still regret, but I have moved on to our current election. After reading that liberating article by Mr. Moore, I realize I have other options that are both biblical and ethical. However, while I wait, I am still doing as Sue suggests: I am praying, watching, and listening. Most of all, I am seeking for the candidate either now or in the future who can clearly demonstrate that he understands that God is truly his own personal Commander-in-Chief.

Deidre – Voice I

We recently learned that over 150 comments to our website were inadvertently categorized as “spam,” and deleted by our server before we had any knowledge of them. We sincerely regret our not having the opportunity to read the comments that had been submitted. We believe we have resolved the problem. However, if you submit a comment and do not see it included in the blog reader comments, please email me at

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Sue

This question seems to have as easy an answer as does “Why did the chicken cross the road?” However, in reality, I agree with a statement by Nicholas A. Ferroni that was posted on the WE are TEACHERS Facebook site which stated “Students who are loved at home, come to school to learn, and students who aren’t, come to school to be loved.” Ask any teacher you know, and they can probably relate stories about students who come to school with so many needs that learning takes a back seat to the basics – security, food, and care. A famous quote by John Maxwell that I used in our original book – For Such A Time As This . . . We Are But Small Voices – goes as follows: “Students don’t really care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Every year that was proven true in my classes. The needs were great with some of them and homework was the least of their concerns while living in conditions that left them hungry for food and attention.

Somehow with all the emphasis on testing and the preparation for it, the realization that some students need so much more has been removed from the educational equation. Individualized instruction is just that – teaching based on the needs of each student. When a child or young person feels that they are valued – that someone cares – there just might be a reason to work hard and learn. That’s when the change can begin; one that leads to a brighter future. Isn’t that what education is meant to accomplish – to change lives for the better?

Sue – Voice I

“Students come to school for curriculum instruction and to learn,” is what most people would automatically say if asked that seemingly simple question. However, we all know that there can always be a lot more to think about behind any basic question, including why students come to school. Students will tell us that they come for a variety of reasons: to play sports, see friends, eat lunch or participate in P.E. or “Brain Bowl.” However most of us would agree that they will perform better and more enthusiastically when they have an internal drive to come to school because people love on them. They know when others genuinely care about them and have invested time in order to bond and build relationships to varying degrees with them. They may not even fully understand that it is the love and care they get and feel that motivates them to attend school day in and day out. They come whether love is given at home or not because they need to feel love from the environment where they currently spend the majority of their day.  This is why educators must learn to love each child even when they don’t like the ways or behavior of that child. The adults in any school have one of the largest responsibilities given unto mankind. Individuals who teach and work around youth daily must feel an obligation to help make every child in his or her space or sphere of  influence feel safe, respected, and accepted. So, whether you teach, preach, sweep, or serve, use this opportunity given to you to show some love.

Those of us who offer love and concern best can only do it from the God within us, and the best way for any of us to continue to do that is to draw strength and wisdom from that same ultimate Source. His eternal love should  compel us all to live, work, play, and rest in excellence, all to the Glory of God.

Deidre – Voice I

Teachers, I have been in your world so when unforeseen events happen in your life, I can relate. In fact, Deidre and I have an entire chapter in our book dedicated to the fact that “Teachers Are People Too!” I taught through emergencies with my grown children, health issues with my body, and long-distance problems with my family who lived out-of-state. Life and jobs go on . . . but sometimes it isn’t easy.
I recently shared this quote from the Codeblack Faith site on Facebook: “God doesn’t give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what we are given.” I so agree. I don’t know how I would have made it through the tough times without a trusting faith in the One who has everything under control, even when it doesn’t seem like it.

Writing our book, One God, Two Voices . . . to encourage and help others, we consider it a “book ministry” because we speak about our faith consistently throughout our writings to other teachers, parents, students, families; everyone! In these troubling times, when the news is enough to make anyone question where this world is heading, it is so comforting to know that we can trust the outcome to Someone bigger than us or our problems. So if you find yourself in troubling times, remember to pray and know that God will help you, day by day, to handle what you have been given.

Sue – Voice II

It is absolutely true that God does and will continue to guide us through whatever trials we are given. His Word reminds us of that undeniable truth in so many ways. He tells us that He will not put more on us than we can bear (I Corinthians 10:13), and that we must cast every care on Him because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). God is infinite, and He already knows what temptations and persecutions we will have to face as we take our individual journeys through life. We must not use our finite minds and try to limit the power or ability of God to help us. We must not act like the ficticious character, Atlas, from Greek mythology, who carried the weight of the world upon his own shoulders. However, we must continue to rise to every occasion when God places us in a situation where we have no other choice but to trust in Him.We must see each test or dilemma as an opportunity to allow God to lead, guide, direct, protect, or do whatever we need at that particular time. After all, God already has a handle on us, and therefore, He definitely has a handle on it!

Deidre- Voice I