Warrior News

Dear Warrior Nation,

This week’s fruit of the Spirit is undoubtedly one of the more necessary in principle, yet challenging in practice – patience.  Biblical patience, as described by Daniel McCoy of renew.org, is “the ability to endure difficult people and situations without giving into anger or giving up hope.”  It is as much of what to do as what not to do – we should not respond in anger or frustration (lack of hope); we SHOULD respond to these in the opposite spirit.  It is also not waiting in a conversation for the other person to stop talking so we can respond.  “Ouch”, you say, “you just got my toes a bit there.”  Believe me, I am speaking first to myself.  As a doer and fixer, my first natural response is to solve (or resolve) an issue.  There are times, however, that the best response is to not respond.  I am not saying inaction; rather, appropriate action.  When we face a difficult person, we must actively listen to hear what they are saying – it might be just a rant, or it might be a legitimate complaint that needs our attention.  That is the “enduring” part.  At its very root, every complaint or difficulty has a root cause.  Being willing to dig into the situation together allows the other person to be heard, but gives an opportunity to represent Christ in how we help them walk it out.  As Ephesians 4:2 says, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” let us lean on our Savior, together, that in His strength we can overcome any challenge the world or our enemy tries to throw at us.

As we wrap up week 5 (the midpoint of the first quarter), we are excited to see God’s work this week through our Spiritual Emphasis Days.  Jeremy Haskett shared the story of Esther from the Old Testament and about how God placed her (and us) where He needs us.  Secondary students were treated to awesome teaching through the book of Philippians by Jordan West, the young adult pastor at The Heights Church.  They were also treated to an amazing time of worship Friday afternoon with Jordan’s group Red Letter Society.  Be sure to check in with your student to discuss their experience this week.  If they tell you they didn’t do anything…please ask them again because the Holy Spirit was stirring here.

This coming Wednesday, 27 September, is the Annual See You At The Pole prayer and praise event!  We will begin with student-led worship and prayer at the front flagpole at 7:00 a.m.  Following at 7:30 a.m. is the SYATP breakfast in the cafeteria.  Please plan to join us for this important time of prayer and praise as we pray for our school, our nation, and our world.

Other notable events coming soon include the Fall Fellowship on Saturday, 14 October, and Homecoming on Saturday, 21 October.  Mark your calendars and join us for a great time!

As always, thank you for your partnership in Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School