School desk
Aug. 18, 2022
It’s back to school time for many, Lord of wisdom and knowledge. We’ve turned our schools into battlegrounds. On the one hand, there is the constant threat of violence and shootings. On the other, there are the angry arguments about what subjects should be taught to our children, about what part of history should be featured, or about how we present this nation in which we live. What should we cover up; what should we downplay? What might cause students stress if we said too much?
Is it too much to ask that we tell the truth? Even that seems slippery these days, that’s true. But being honest about the struggles of this nation to live up to the ideals we profess seems like a way to prepare young people for the struggles they will face too. Admitting when we’ve gone astray and didn’t see all people as – well – people, might enhance efforts toward equality today. Especially when we also teach that there were those of all races who believed in justice and worked for equity.
Bless our children, God of all of us, who walk a difficult path these days. Let them not be pawns in our chess games of power and dominance. But let them flourish, and hope, and know they are loved. Even as you continue to educate us all on how to live in your kin-dom. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
The Rev. Derek Weber coordinates "Praying for Change: Daily Prayers for Anti-Racism," a project of Discipleship Ministries. To reproduce this content elsewhere, please contact the author for permission.