Reader pleased with recent contract developments

To the Editor:

My heart grieves so for the standoff between the school board/administration and teachers of this county.

Many good and precious people are in a war that needs not take place, and I call upon every one of us in this community to stop, take notice, and do our part so issues can be resolved, and the education of our priceless children can be carried out with peace, encouragement, truth and honor.

Before leaving my job, due to an illness in the family, I served as a teacher's assistant in Clay County. I was able to experience the dedication and love that nearly all of the teachers had for their students and their jobs. I witnessed teachers going above and beyond what their job description called for. Thank you teachers!

I have never sat on the school board, but I can appreciate that it must be difficult, trying to operate within a budget and pay out what is deserving to all concerned. I know that school board members give a lot of time and energy to their jobs. Thank you board members!

Having appreciation for all concerned, I now appeal to every Christian in the community. Take heart … "every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand," (Matthews 12:25). Shall we continue to let this spirit of division have authority in our community? Let's be honest. This division and rebellion has gone on for many years.

"… If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple (community) so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Rise up, oh ye of faith. If we claim to be a Christian, we must come humbly:

Christian board members and administration, get on your knees,

Christian teachers, get on your knees,

Christian community, get on your knees,

We must unite:

Board members and administrators, pray for teachers,

Teachers, pray for board members and administrators,

Citizens, pray for this community.

We are to pray blessings on each other. It is the Lord's job to convict. We must come humbly and unite in love, for the future of our children depends on it. The prosperity of our community depends on it. "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit -- just as you were called to one hope when you were called -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is all and through all and in all." (Ephesians, 4:1-6).

The Word of God is alive. If we allow it to live and work within us, our character becomes more like Him. He will bring his Holy Spirit to help us break down this stronghold. Will we let this curse continue on for future generations or will we cry out to the God of our Salvation? Will we continue to curse each other, or will we come humbly before Him and ask Him to deal with our own hearts?

I recently heard a quote (I do not know to whom goes the credit). Please ponder this … "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison, hoping the other person will die."

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever ir pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Phillipians 4:8).

Our God is saying, "You look to man, you look to rules, you look to finances, you look to emotions, but do you look to Me? For I am the answer." May we all come humbly, on our knees, in prayer, asking for forgiveness from our Father in Heaven and from each other. May we turn from our evil ways, forgive, and seek peace and reconciliation. Then He will send His spirit to bring unity. We will be in one accord and an end will be put to this travesty, and the strongholds of our community.

"Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23).

His servent,

Tammy Greenwood,

Brazil

Please know that this letter is written in love for all God's people. May He convict your hearts as He has mine.