THE NAKED TRUTH

A break from school allows me to spend hours watching trash television.  I have noticed that adding nudity to almost any situation has become entertaining.  I had heard of the Naked and Afraid show where individuals are forced to survive in harsh environments without even clothes on their backs.  My 14 year old son assures me that this show is compelling.  Buying Naked chronicles the journey of nude home buyers, while the real estate agent endeavors to keep eye contact during the entire process.  I admit maybe I would tune in to that show to check out the real estate (if you know what I mean).  Dating Naked is a reality show that is about to hit the boob tube...sorry I couldn't resist.  Really?  As a single person, I must tell you that dating is scary enough without throwing in the whole nudity thing. Where do you even go on a date if you are not wearing any clothes? 

The irony of all reality television is that there is actually no element of authenticity. I know I am stating the obvious, but fake is the societal norm.  Lush hair extensions cascading down our shoulders, perfect Facebook posts, carefully worded dating site profiles, and selfies from flattering angles are acceptable forms of trickery.  What happens when the weave falls out or someone posts a picture that uncovers that we don't have lips that are always in the kissing position?  While television is embracing the idea that we should take it all off to expose our bodies, I am dying to witness and connect with the ugly, glorious inside of the human condition.

One aspect of getting older that I fully embrace, is the fact I am too tired to pretend.  There comes a time when we need to be emotionally exposed and discover who is left standing with us.  I have spent years obsessing over how I appear to the outside world, while at the same time hiding the God given gifts that make me shine.  If our paths happen to cross, I want to see the real you.  Don't look away.  Cry if you are sad.  Tell me what is really going on in your life.  Take a risk and get naked, and I will do the same.  But one thing is certain...I'm keeping my clothes on.  You can thank me later:)



   

HE CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH!

This is the time of year where many parents nervously or happily send their children to summer camp.  My son just came back from a week at Camp Kanata.  I think that he had a good time, but these days I don't get many details about his life.  A good friend of mine received a heartbreaking note from her son that read something like... I hate it here.  I am not having any fun and I wish I could come home now.  She was devastated to think her child was miserable and that there was nothing that she could do to rescue him from the situation.  Even though we prayed daily, I am certain it was a long two weeks until she could see her son.

The words that were written by this camper seemed to stay with me for days.  It was as if he had captured the sentiment that I had been afraid to speak out loud to God.  As I Christian, I feel guilty sometimes just saying to my Heavenly Father, "I am not having fun right now.  I hate what is happening in my life.  Could you please save me from this pain?"  On a good day, I choose to write in my gratitude journal or read an inspirational book in an effort to find some peace.  Other times, I might overeat, cry, or stay in bed with the covers over my head.  Have I lost the ability to be brutally honest with God? 

I am sure my friend would have liked her son's note to be filled with stories of adventure and good times, but instead she received his plain, heartbreaking reality.  She grieved as a loving mother, she prayed, but she did not bring him home. Sometimes when we honestly cry out to Jesus, He keeps us exactly where we are for a reason.  He still loves, listens to our prayers, and weeps when we are sad.  But, God has our big life picture in full view.  Not a single struggle or ounce of pain will be wasted.

The young camper is home safe and sound, and has continued to reflect on the two weeks he was away.  Some of the hardships have started to dim and the thought of returning next year is even a possibility.  I chuckle as I think of the stress he caused his mother by writing that letter.  However, I learned that true growth and healing can only come when we are willing to admit how we feel to ourselves and those that love us.  God wants a personal relationship with his children, and I have no doubt that He CAN handle the truth.

READING WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE...SERIOUSLY:)

Ms. Valvano completed the 40 book challenge for the second year in a row...Hold your applause!!!  We challenge all of our middle school students to read 40 books over the course of the school year. I decided to give up my romance novels and self-help books and dive into the world of juvenile literature.  It has been a blast talking to my students about what they are reading.  If you are a parent having a difficult time connecting with your teenager, I STRONGLY suggest reading together.  We are not going to learn about the thoughts and feelings of our youngsters by following their facebook or instagram.  There are also personal benefits to reading the dystopian novels that are all the craze. 

If there is ever a shortage of food and I have to serve as a tribute from my district in a fight to the death...I know how to survive.  Perhaps a virus has been released into the world killing everyone, but a few brave individuals must fight the Republic and save the world...no problem for me.  Aliens, werewolves, factions, rejects, witches...nothing it outside my realm of expertise.  The excitement I have seen in the eyes of my students has reignited my passion for reading.  This week, however, I received further confirmation that books do more than entertain...they can and will change our lives.

 I recently gave my younger sister LeeAnn a book written by her former Pastor Tim Keller.  The book beautifully illustrates the biblical meaning of marriage.  Lee and her husband Beau have a 2 year old and a little girl on the way.  I know what it is like to be caught up in those sleep deprived, potty training, cheerio eating years.  She called me a few nights ago in tears.  She started reading the book and wanted me to know it had made her rethink how she had been viewing her marriage.  She gushed about wisdom she had gained and how she wanted to share them with her husband.  LeeAnn is currently working full time, going to graduate school, raising a toddler, and 7 months pregnant.  Tired and overwhelmed don't begin to capture her life, but the words in a book had touched her spirit.

I packed the pool bag and decided I needed something to read.  I stumbled upon a book that my friend Lisa had given me for my birthday.  As I cracked open, Carry on Warrior, written by Glennon Doyle Melton, I could never have imagined what was about to happen to me.  I have been struggling with the desire to write a book for years, and these words rocked my world...

If, anywhere in your soul, you feel the desire to write, please write.  Write as a gift to yourself and others.  Everyone has a story to tell.  Writing is not about creating tidy paragraphs that sound lovely or choosing the "right" words.  It's about noticing who you are and noticing life and sharing what you notice.  When you write your truth, it is a love offering to the world because it helps us feel braver and less alone.

In an instant, sitting by the pool on an average summer day, this author had taken a match to the fire that had been dormant inside of me for years.  Because of those words I read, I cannot stop thinking about what I want to write...when I will have time to write...and what I am going to write.  She gave me permission to attack my passion without thought to the end result.  Writing is a gift I will give myself as I allow the truth to heal my soul. 

Whether you are seeking a way to connect with your child, a renewed commitment to your marriage, an escape from reality, or permission to follow your dreams... a book can meet those needs and so much more.  Books give you glimpses into lives once lived, adventures yet to come, and personal emotions never spoken.  Put down the phone, turn off the television, forget to post what you are doing every second of the day...and lose and find yourself again in the words written by another.

MY STUDENT...MY TEACHER

Several times a month, I would return to my desk at the end of the day to find a "love" note waiting for me.

You are the best teacher ever!
You're extraordinary...
You inspire me!

These were some of the personal messages that were colorfully captured on a folded white sheet of computer paper.  No name was ever written, but the hearts and loopy writing gave me a clue that the student was a girl.  My 9th period class was filled with a bunch of rambunctious boys that were bouncing off the walls.  Since it was the end of a long day for me, I often felt I did not give this group of 33 my best efforts. Yet, the words of support from a 13 year old, inspired me to keep moving forward. 

I believed strongly I knew the girl that was writing me the notes.  She was a mature, outspoken, prepared, creative, bright, and unique young woman.  I would often catch her eyes during the 9th period chaos, and we would share a knowing smile that seemed to say "what are these crazy kids doing?"   Every week I would add the new message to my collection, and the image of her would float through my mind. 

On the last day of school after our awards ceremony, I discovered what would be my last letter.  I opened and read the beautiful sentiment that captured the innermost feelings of one girl.  There was one difference...at the bottom of the page she wrote her name.  I still get chills as I think of that moment.  I was totally wrong about the identify of the writer.  A beautiful young girl with long brown hair, freckles, and a shy smile was my angel.  The truth filled me with awe and sadness.  I could count on one hand how many times I had spoken to her over the course of the year.  Had I ever asked her about the book she was reading?  Did I really know anything about her interests outside of school? She hardly ever raised her hand, leading me to believe she did not even enjoy my class. How could I have made such an impact on her? 

With tears in my eyes I found her in the midst of the craziness of the last day of school.  We hugged and I inadequately tried to explain what her notes had meant to me.  I asked her one simple question, "What gave you the idea to leave me those notes?"  She simply raised her shoulders and replied, "I don't know.  I just wanted to."  The bell rang and with it came the end of another school year.  She walked out of my life never knowing she had become my teacher. 

Every single person walking this earth needs encouragement.  Complaints and injustices seem to roll easily out of our mouths, but we forget to speak affirming words of appreciation.  Chances are most of us know where we are falling short in a relationship, but I for one need to hear what I am doing right.  It took a 13 year old girl to teach me how to love.  Her unselfish actions did nothing to benefit her, but placed in me a belief that I was worthy.  I challenge you in honor of my beautiful student to leave an unsigned note somewhere today with a simple, uplifting message.  Spread the love...and see what happens.