Help Them Rise To The Occasion

Ps. 10:17 You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry.

Isa. 1:17 Stop doing wrong, learn to do what is right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Acts 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

There have been many people in our lives that we see as wanton. We know that just a few kind words or actions, may begin a transformation within them.

As a teacher, God always spoke to my heart about the following:

• The home life of that child is a mess.
• Treat him as if he were a special person.
• Choose something that he can do well, and praise him for it; out of proportion.
• You will begin a small realm of self-worth within that person.

I had a student named Bo. Mom passed herself around from man to man. The child had neither parenting, love, nor family. He had no preschool experience and had never colored with crayons, or held a pencil in his hands.

He was such a sweet boy, but was a lone roaming wolf. “Tame him with Love,” God spoke to my heart.

During class, I would sit him right next to me, always. I’d always begin the day with, “Bo Bo, my Sweet Boy, this is going to be a thumbs up day, where we learn, laugh, and play!” About 100 times per day, I’d give him a thumbs up.

As far as academic skills, he had none. It was obvious that this child would be placed on an IEP his entire school years, or eventually be a school dropout. However, it was my job to love him as long as he was my student.

I would make him my classroom assistant. I’d always make eye contact with him and give the following comments.
-“Sweet Bo Bo would you please”

• hand me my markers
• move that trashcan
• place this in the trash
• wipe that off the board

It got to the point where he’d come up to me during centers and say “Mrs. Cutler, I picked up those crayons for you. I put that in the trash can for you.” etc.

I’d look him in the eyes and say “Oh Sweet Boy, what ever would I do without out?”

It really began to make a difference with his academic skills.

Then came Thanksgiving… and he was gone. Mom ran again so Children Services couldn’t find her. BUT FOR A BRIEF MOMENT… I treated that child like the person I wanted him to become.

There was another adorable Afro-American boy named Julian. His story was very similar. Again, I did the same Thumbs-up Day Routine with him.

On St. Patrick’s Day, I’d always bring in my fancy punch bowl, fill it with ice and tell my kids,”Get ready to watch the Leprechauns do their magic.

I’d pour in a liter of blue and yellow Gatorade, and watch the “Magic of Green,” begin.

As Julian’s table came up for their cookies and juice, he lay his head on my shoulder, placed his arms around me and said, “Mrs. Cutler, thank you for school.”

I struggled to keep the tears from flowing as he continued. “Don’t worry about me. I’m so far behind the other kids. I’ll never catch up. Mom runs me from school to school. I just wanted to say,’Thank You,’ for the time I’m
here. You make school so fun.”

The wisdom in one so young; it was quite obvious that he was a very intelligent, but a misguided child. Hugging him I responded, with tears in my eyes.

You are so special to me, Julian. You and I will get through this year together, Buddy. No worries, I’ll take good care of my boy.” The year ended, and he had to go on to First Grade due to his age. The first week of school, the counselor brought him in to see me. She had asked him, if there was
anyone in particular in the school that he’d like to see. “Please take me to my Mrs. Cutler, Please.”

It should be no surprise to you. The mother, once again, ran with him.

In this life, I’ll never set my eyes on those two boys again. However, I pray for them always. They owned a small piece of my heart….and….I treated them like the persons I wanted them to become.

HEAVENLY FATHER: Bless each and every student, that I ever taught. Wrap your loving arms around them, and whisper in their ears,”You are Worthy!”
In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

Sue Cutler
Fearless Faith