Who Paid For It?

        Back in September 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, did something not to be forgotten.  With permission from the school superintendent, the principal, and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks out of the classroom.  The students walked into first period and there were no desks.  Obviously, they looked around and said, “Miss Cothren, where are our desks?”  She replied, “You can’t have a desk until you tell me how you earn them.”  The students though out loud, “Well, is it our grades?” “No,” she said.  “Is it our behavior?”  And again she stated, “No, it has nothing to do with your behavior.”  So they came and went in the first period with no desks in the classroom.  Second and third periods came and same thing. 
        By early afternoon television news crews had gathered in Miss Cothren’s class room to find out about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.  The last period of the day, Martha gathered her class together.  They were at this time sitting on the floor around the sides of the room.  She said, “Throughout the day no one has really understood how you earn the desks that ordinarily sit in this classroom.  Now I’m going to tell you.” 
        She went over to the door of her classroom and opened it and as she did 27 United States military veterans, wearing their uniforms, walked into the classroom, each one carrying a school desk.  They placed the desks in rows then went and stood along the walls.  And by the time they had finished placing those desks, the students, for the first time, understood how they earned their desks. 
        Miss Cothren stated, “You don’t have to earn those desks; these veterans did it for you.  They put them out there for you, but it’s up to you to sit here responsibly to learn, to be good students, and good citizens.  Our veterans paid a great price for you to have your desk and don’t ever forget it!” 
        Yes, our nation is the greatest nation on the planet all because our founding fathers were deeply committed to their faith in God and His Word.  They were radicals for freedom.  As soon as a community was founded a church was built.  Also, whenever a community was established, its members developed practices and ways of life which reflected their belief in God.  They would enforce moral laws for all to know and obey. 
        Today, these principles are quickly eroding from life.  And yes, our nation is reeling from the effects of it.  Solomon, the wise king, wrote: “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).  His father, King David, also wrote, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).  These two kings were powerful leaders.  Their kingdoms were successful and prosperous.  The people were healthy and blessed.  God hasn’t changed!!  For more info you can visit us at www.JoyChristianMinistries.com

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