Cheers to Encouragement

Today was supposed to be the first day of school after Christmas break. However, teachers and administration are taking a stand. If you read my previous post, Dr. Lee (let's just call him "he who must not be named") got his hand stuck in the cookie jar by embezzling money from IAB accounts to his personal accounts. Because he got caught, I have been paid 1 month salary. His plan is to keep us hostage by not paying what is owed until the end of the school year.

We find his unethical behavior (since this past July) unfit to be the legal person for a school so we feel now is the time to take a stand. Unified, we have decided not to return to school until he steps down. There were some parents that wanted to take matters in their own hands and sent us an email that they would send their children anyway (even after being notified that we would not have school). Of course, that put me in a place of major guilt. Not only am I being "blackmailed" by Dr. Lee, but now I felt like I was being taken hostage by the parents. Needless to say, I did NOT go to school today.

You'd think that I would feel super discouraged this morning but I don't. Why?

First off, Matthew 12:18-20 talks about how Jesus has come as THE chosen servant prophesied by Isaiah. He wasn't popular though, far from it. Jesus was able to handle the negativity by never losing sight of who He is. I must not lose sight that I am His child regardless of my situation. He is my hope and my trust. His justice will prevail.

Second, I love music! Who doesn't? Music has the ability to speak to the heart like no other. I love the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow? Of course, the first verse and chorus is what comes to my mind, but the second and third are easily forgotten. This song really encouraged me. Take special notice of the latter verses. :)

Verse 1: Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come, Why should my heart feel lonely And long for Heav'n and home, When Jesus is my portion? A constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches over me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. Chorus: I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me His eye is on the sparrow And I know he watches me. Verse 2: "Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth But one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. Verse 3: Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise, When songs give place to sighing, When hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, From care He sets me free: His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He cares for me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He cares for me. and LAST BUT NOT LEAST! (drumroll please) On their trip to Thailand, my co-worker and principal brought me back a frosting and chocolate covered mini-cinnamon roll from Cinnabon! If you've ever lived in a country where the comfort food from home isn't available (i.e. Cinnabon and Chipotle), then you know how big a deal this is! So with all three things my checklist is finished: encouraged *check* smile *check* joy *check* peace *check* hope *check* I hope I've encouraged you also!