Call of Jesus Part 5

What part of the message of Jesus is challenging to you at this time in your life?

I am challenged to have faith in m y daily life that everything will be okay and occur according to God's will. I have to constantly remind myself that there is no need for anxiety and fear, but rather that all of my anxieties and fears are self-induced.

Yesterday at the end of the school day I yelled at a group of students for talking when I was talking. There were so many other actions I could have taken short of yelling. This reaction in me is a default reaction, meaning that it is the lowest kind of reaction I could have taken, and far less effective than if I had localized the issue and dealt with it in a more healthy, loving, professional way.

Furthermore, as a parent and teacher, I am aware that every time I yell I model that as a way for my students. I do not enjoy this approach, and no one makes me yell but me. It's not the kids' fault or responsibility, but mine alone. I own my own behavior.

I pledge to do better. To apologize for my transgression, for a violation of the principle of Kind Words, Kind Voice. At the heart of Kind Words, Kind Voice is faith. Faith that everything will always be all right and that there is no need for despair. Despair is marked my emotional upheaval. I seek to be like Jesus. To be calm. To be faith-filled. Just as with the "epileptic demoniac" where Jesus reminds us that all is possible with prayer and that "everything is possible for one who has faith," I pray that my faith be strong enough to guide me through all situations and all circumstances. I make no excuses and offer no justifications, regardless of lack of sleep, hunger, hurriedness, or any other condition. Faith conquers all, and Jesus serves as a powerful model.