I'm glad God doesn't grade on a bell curve!

In the 6th grade, we had so many students the school decided to house all of us in one large classroom, but to make the classes more manageable, that huge group of students was divided into 3 separate units, each taught by a separate teacher. Each teacher specialized in a certain area, and they would tag team teach. We had our assigned homeroom teacher but benefited from the knowledge and expertise of the other teachers, too. 

Mrs. Compton, Mrs. Lee, and Mrs. Sass were the names of the teachers. I was assigned to Mrs. Compton’s class. I was thankful because she was my favorite of all three. She was younger and prettier. And back then, role models were important as we grew in our identities. 

Back then, teachers wanted their students to learn. They wanted us to master each concept taught and did their best to help us accomplish that, but sometimes, we struggled. For me, struggles came with math, while English and Social Studies were easy. 

Our teachers were kind and gracious. They did their best to help us when we needed extra attention. Every week we were tested on one or more of our subjects. Tests were used to help teachers ascertain our growth. 

I don’t remember when it started, but for some reason, our teachers began using the bell curve. It was a grading system used to provide fairness and while I still don’t understand it fully, here’s my take on it from what I remember way back then... 

We were given a math test. I have no clue whether it was over long division, fractions, or what but when the tests were taken up and graded, the teacher wasn’t pleased. Though some of the students aced the test, others didn’t. And though there were a good many students who would do fairly well, the teacher felt the need to grade on a curve. Since I was one of the students who didn’t do so well on that test, I was thankful. Being graded on a curve meant I didn’t fail and being the typical type A overachiever, perfectionist type person I have always been, failing would have devasted me back then. Some of my friends were grateful to have the bell curve system in place, too. Others felt it unfair because they’d studied hard and had excelled on the test. The teacher explained the grading process as she handed back our tests with both the original grade (the one we’d earned before being slipped beneath the bell) and the revised grade (the one that bumped us up a notch due to the average of all classroom grades for that test.) 

Thinking back on that today, I tried my best to understand how I would have felt if I’d been in that top category. Would I have felt it unfair to have a classmate who’d earned a failing grade be given leniency? I probably would have. I was raised old school – hard work pays off, you get what you deserve, a job well done should be rewarded…you know all those old euphemisms. 

And that’s when it hit, I’m so glad Jesus doesn’t grade on a bell curve. Yes, I just said that but keep reading. He is full of grace and mercy. He always wants the best for us, but He is also a just God. He’s given us free will to choose life or death. If we choose Him, we get that A+, well done good and faithful servant. If we don’t, we fail – we receive eternal damnation. There’s no middle ground, no second chances. 

How can we know how we’ll do on the ultimate test- the test of character and faith? The only way we can know is to understand we can’t ever pass the test on our own. Our own merits aren’t good enough. No matter how hard we try, we can never keep the 10 commandments. God knew that when He gave them to us, and that’s why He sent His Son, to die for our sins. Breaking the law requires payment and the only payment worthy of forgiveness and acceptance is the blood of Jesus Christ. 

But it’s super easy to make the grade. All you have to do is say yes to Jesus. Saying yes tells Him you agree that you’re not good enough to get into heaven on your own merits and you understand, He can’t let you slide in (no bell curve, remember!). We’re all going to be held accountable for our actions, so we need to make a conscious decision to accept the sacrificial gift Jesus gave us on the cross. When we do that, we also have to see our poor choices (sins) in the proper light. Breaking one of God’s laws (the 10 commandments) is the same as breaking all of them, according to the Bible. 

What would it have looked like for Jesus to give Himself completely for us to obtain righteousness if God had looked down on the cross from heaven and said, “Never mind, we’ll just let them all in, no matter what”? What kind of God would that be? One without standards, that’s the kind of God that would be. 

God created us to love, honor, and obey Him. He has and always will have absolute authority over us, but He gives us free will. We can follow His commands and learn His statues, or we can completely fail to do either. The choice is ours. 

Bell curves are probably still in use today in some schools, I really don’t know, but I can’t say I believe they’re a good thing. When I was in 6th grade, I thought they were pretty cool, now, not so much. I’m so glad God wants more for us that to let us ease into heaven by the skin of our teeth. I wouldn’t want a God Who didn’t want the very best for us, would you? 

Joshua 24:14-15 “Choose this day whom you will serve.”

2 Timothy 2:15, which reads: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Acts 16:31 And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household

Everyday Devotionals Bonnie Annis

"You're an Artist! You're a Real Artist!"

Months ago, I was contacted by a woman I'd met on our trip to Israel. She explained she'd started a tradition of gathering family members together and having them participate in some sort of art project. She'd only done it once before, but thought it would be something worth continuing after last year's success. I thought it was a neat idea and immediately agreed to be the 2020 artist.

After agreeing to lead the class, I asked for details. What did she want me to do? How many people would be in the class? Etc. Etc.

I came up with a lesson plan and purchased supplies.

As the time drew near for teaching the lesson, I became very fearful and felt ill equipped. Satan was doing a number on me and I asked some of my online friends to pray.

The day of the event, my husband I drove to North Georgia, van loaded with easel and boxes of art supplies.

Arriving at the church, we set up in the fellowship hall and watched as her family members began to arrive. I knew the group would be composed of adults and children but was surprised to find we had people from 4 to 86 and the 86 year old woman had Alzheimer's disease.

As the class members took their places at the tables, I passed out supplies and we got started.

I was nervous as I began to paint. As I worked, I explained each step of the process having the people in the room attempt to follow along, but it wasn't that simple. In between painting, answering questions, and resupplying medium, I was also trying to keep my composure and train of thought. I'd never taught a group before. The span of ages was also a challenge as I tried to make the lesson simple for the children and keep the adults on track at the same time. Somehow, I worked from 10:30 until 2:30 and we got our paintings completed.

Rose, 86 with Alzheimer's

I wanted to thank those who prayed for me. Your prayers undergirded me that day and helped me remain calm. I think I held my breath those 4 hours because when we got into the car to leave, I broke down sobbing.

You see, I've never considered myself an artist. In the first place, I've never had an art lesson. I taught myself everything I know by reading, watching, or observing others. But God must have wanted me to do this project because I needed to be taken out of my comfort zone.

I'm not an extrovert but by agreeing to teach the class, I was forced to be one. And, I don't even know why I accepted the offer anyway. Normally, I would have said, "Let me think about it and I'll get back to you," but that day I said yes immediately.

God taught me somethings about myself that day. He made real to me the verse that says "when I am weak, He is strong." He also extended me plenty of grace that day as the woman who asked me to teach and all of her family members sat patiently and willingly as I tried my best to led them in a fun project.

The day turned out to be a success, but boy was I glad when it was over! A professional photographer had been hired to document the day and although I haven't seen any of the photos yet, I'm sure she got some doozies.

Right before I left the building, I decided to make a pit stop. As I was coming out of the restroom, one of the students, a cute, long haired 4 year old girl came skipping toward me saying, "You're an artist! You're a real artist!" I couldn't help but smile at her proclamation over me.

My little encourager

I wonder if God knew I needed to hear those sweet words just before leaving? I think He did and he used that beautiful, inquisitive little one to speak truth into my heart.

Bottom line and lessons learned that day -

1. God had already equipped me to teach the lesson! I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

2. There was no reason for me to be afraid! "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(Isaiah 41:10)

3. Obedience always brings blessing.

After I'd gotten home and we'd unloaded the car, I had time to revisit the day's events. Although the lesson didn't go as planned, I did have fun and think the students did, too.And just think, if I'd said no to the offer, I wouldn't have received the blessings God had in store for me. The best part of the day was seeing that sweet little girl, with her bright pink headband, skipping down the hall and hearing her words drip with honey as she said, "You're an artist! You're a real artist!" 

 

You know, I think she just might be right. Perhaps I do have a right to claim that title now.

When God takes you out of your comfort zone

Today, I've reached full freak out mode. In just one day, I'll be standing before a group of a dozen people to teach them an art class. 

About a month before Christmas, a woman I'd met on our trip to Israel asked me if I'd be willing to teach some of her friends and family an art class. She said she'd paid me to do it. In haste, I gladly agreed not taking time to consider all that would be involved. 

For the past few weeks, I've been gathering the art supplies I'll need for the class. I've made a "lesson plan" and worked hard to perfect my teaching technique by using my youngest daughter as a guinea pig student. 

The practice lesson went well but took longer than I thought. By the time I was through teaching, I was physically and emotionally drained. My back was killing me from standing and bending to paint at the easel for 3 straight hours. I had a splitting headache from clenching my teeth and holding stress in my neck as we worked. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was a nervous wreck. 

After finishing the lesson with my daughter, I prayed that evening as I went to bed - "God, what are you doing? Why are you taking me out of my comfort zone???" I told Him I wasn't a teacher, especially an art teacher and that's when He reminded me I used to teach preschool and Sunday School for teens. 

The more I prayed and questioned His motives, the more I felt Him impressing upon my spirit that I needed to be taken out of my comfort zone because without this experience, I'd never grow. 

Yikes! 

Of course, I wanted to grow. My entire life I've done my best to continue growing in my faith, but I never dreamed I'd be put to the test this way. 

Standing in front of a group of strangers, I'd be putting myself at risk of failure and humiliation. 

When I shared my fears with my husband, he told me to relax. When I talked to my youngest daughter about it, she said, "Mom, it's supposed to be fun. Just enjoy yourself." Those were wise words I needed to hear from both my husband and my daughter. 

So, tomorrow is the big day. And even though I know God's ordained this, I'm scared silly. And even though I know I'm to be anxious for nothing, I'm shaking in my boots. 

What's the worst that can happen? I become the laughing stock of their little gathering. What's the best that can happen? I'll succeed at teaching the class, the students will complete their project and leave happy and fulfilled. I'm hoping for the latter. 

I guess I need to learn to trust God more and that's why He's using this opportunity to teach me to step out in faith. 

I could use a few prayers to boost my confidence. If you have a moment, would you lift me up? 

Thanks in advance and if you feel God calling you to step out of your comfort zone, I hope you're a more willing student than I. 

Remember, and I'm also speaking to myself here, God causes all things to work together for our good. All things - even art classes. 

So tomorrow, as I stand in front of a group of women I don't know, I pray God will give me the strength and courage to succeed. I pray He'll allow me to teach without fear or dread. I pray He will be my ever present help in times of trouble and that He'll go before me and prepare the way. Most of all, I pray He'll use this event to grow me into a stronger witness for Him.

Lessons in Brokenness

Wednesdays...hump days. Today was a cold winter one but I'd slept well last night and felt great. I didn't have anything pressing to do other than to run by my doctor's office for some blood work. I thought I'd be in and out in a few minutes but ended up waiting there for over an hour. The office was crowded. Thankfully, there was a seat in the rear of the waiting room and it was empty. As I sat among the coughing and cell phone conversations, I wished I'd had a paper mask to place over my mouth and nose. With a weakened immune system, I was fearful about catching germs.

After having my blood drawn, I headed to the parking lot trying to think of something to do. I'd already done all my housework the day before so nothing was pressing. I got in my car and started to drive. I'd head to Goodwill. This would be a great time of year to peruse the aisles as I was sure they'd be full due to donations received before the holidays. I always enjoy shopping at Goodwill. It's fun to see what kinds of things end up on their shelves and I can always use a new book or two or three.

When I arrived at the store, there were very few people inside. I liked it that way. It's hard to shop when  you're crossing paths with someone at every turn. I looked on the sign to see the daily color. Today was green and that meant everything in the store marked with a green tag was half price. In the book department, I began scanning for green stickers. Immediately, I found several Nora Roberts books I hadn't read and a Fannie Flagg. As I was pulling it from the shelf, my eyes fell on another book. A book with a red spine. The title was Broken in the Right Place, How God Tames the Soul by Alan Nelson. I picked it up and flipped through the pages. At only a $1.00, I decided to take it home.

I left the store with my purchases and went home to unpack. As I ate my lunch, I pulled out the book about brokenness and placed it beside my plate. I'd just recently completed reading The Broken Way, a new book by Christian author, Ann Voskamp, and had been deeply touched by it. I began to read the first few pages of this book and realized, God was doing something. I think He's still trying to teach me about being broken. No. I know He is. I've been kicking and screaming and fighting Him every step of the way but now, it's time for me to lean in and listen closely as He continues to reveal the fact that suffering isn't only meant to teach me, it's meant to break me of my self sufficiency.

The forward to my new book from Goodwill says: " It's odd that a religion that carries the cross as its central symbol should require a crash course in suffering. But it does. Oh, how it does. We have somehow ended up with a country full of Christians who consider suffering, whether it comes from a broken body or a broken heart, a violation of the spiritual rights. When things go badly in body or job or family, they whine and complain endlessly. Sometimes they protest vehemently. In between complains and protest, they seek out the company of those who anesthetize them with soothing words and soft music. They have no difficulty finding such anestheticians - pain killing spiritualities are a glut on the market. The only cross they seem to have any acquaintance with is a piece of cheap jewelry. Can anyone get their attention long enough to convince them that suffering must not be avoided, but embraced; that brokenness does not diminish a life of faith but deepens it? Wow! That's powerful stuff.

I am humbled to think God loves me so much He's wanting to use this cancer journey and all the suffering that has gone along with it to teach me more about Himself. I'm looking forward to reading my new book and comparing what I learned in Ann Voskamp's book with it. I know God uses physical suffering to often break the will and spirit of those He loves in order to make them more teachable. I sure hope I learn the lesson soon. I've been through an awful lot of pain and suffering in my life. If I can know it's all been part of God's perfect plan to teach me a valuable lesson, it will have been worth all the pain that came along with it.

I'm thankful He loves me enough to want the very best for me. Last year God had me focus on the word TRUST. This year it's been on the word JOY. I wonder what word He's going to give me next year...I guess I'll know in the new few weeks. Do you ever pray and ask God to give you a word for the New Year? I do and He always answers.

I'm glad I took the time to go by Goodwill today. I had no idea I'd be led to buy a book on brokenness but God did. I bet He's up there smiling right now knowing I'll be digging in over the next few days. Have a pleasant evening! And thanks for stopping by to read my blog.