Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. DO not be frightened, or do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
When we are looking for people to admire or get encouragement and inspiration from, sometimes we do not have to look very far. Unfortunately, it may take some time for us to notice. Today, my son and I watched Genesis Impact. It is about how a college student challenged her professor about evolution. In this docudrama, the young woman respectfully debates her teacher about evolution and puts forth the idea of intelligent design, and the teacher engages her respectfully as well. It was all very nice and friendly, but alas, I feel it is unrealistic. Most professors would not give a student this kind of latitude. I know this firsthand, because my son was one such student. He challenged a teacher, very respectfully, about the Bible not being a fairy tale. This ended very badly for my son and put him off of higher education for good. He was emotionally scarred, but his faith remained firm.
Today, while unpacking the show with my son, it all came rushing back to me. What hit me hardest, however, was how I was not close to being as bold or strong in my faith at that time as my son was. Sure, my husband and I raised him in the church, but his faith walk was clearly his own. He stood up and was counted in a hostile educational environment at I time that I did not dare to. Yes, I helped him recover from the trauma he suffered, because he wanted to continue his education. The thing is, he did not agree with the cost. Not that monetary amount, but the cost of his convictions about his faith. I have known many young Christians that may not agree with the classes, lectures, or lessons that go against their faith, but they just give the professors what they want to get through the class. My son could not and would not give into this kind of manipulation.
As I thought about that, I was filled with admiration for him in a different way than when it all took place. He took a stand in front of all his peers and an aggressive teacher who wanted nothing less then him to turn his back on Jesus. The deep faith and courage that my son showed, and still does, I know comes from his Savior. I certainly was not an example of this kind of spiritual strength for my son, but he was and is for me. To God alone be the glory.
One of the most inspirational people in my life has been right here all along.
1 comment:
I agree that Ryan's faith is his own, but he also learned from you and Randy. That bold conviction comes from somewhere. So take that small pat on your back for raising someone who has faith that strong. YOU HELPED DO THAT.
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