Loving Jesus at School

I love Jesus. And that's something I never try to hide, minimize or stifle. It's also not something I push, punishes, or condemn with either. And most of the time, it's easy. It works.

So I was surprised today at school when it wasn't easy.

I am taking an informative class from one of my favorite teachers at Cabrillo. She is fair, dedicated and organized. All the elements that make a learning situation ideal for me. I know the world isn't always ideal - so when it fit in my schedule to take two classes with the same teacher - I snapped it up.

However, the Woman's Studies class is difficult. We talk about painful and sad topics. And discuss issues that have polarized views. Most often it's done with respect and kindness. With honest passion - but listening ears and hearts. And I love it.

I want to understand other people better. I want to know why someone thinks something different than I do. Not because I don't know what to think or believe, but because I want to know and love people. And having a better understanding of what someone else believes is beneficial for me - and them. It's a total win-win. (Can you tell I love it?)

We broke into small groups today and were talking about the midterm paper we're going to write. Someone in my group started talking about another class she is taking and something or other lea her to an impassioned speech about how only an ignorant moron could believe in creationism. How that sort of person is closed off and not open to new ideas. How the belief prevents real education for occurring etc. etc. etc. When it was my turn to speak I looked at her and said something to the effect that any idea we have, regardless of what it is, impacts the way we see the world.

She returned with, but those people are morons! I smiled and said that I was a creation-scientist. She stopped and awkwardly looked at me. I wasn't mad, at all. But what do you say? I smiled, hoped it didn't offend, and slightly awkwardly, returned to my work. But I could tell it rubbed up against this classmates ideas and feelings. Seriously, what do you say?

The thing is, I'm not a moron. I've thought about this question - and the answer that best fits is: this earth was made by a knowable God in the not so distant past. Everything I've read, seen and woven together makes that story make the most sense to me. And I'm okay knowing that I wasn't there so I'm taking this on faith.

Many people I know and respect don't hold this view. My father for example is an old earth creationist. My mom told me she doesn't really know or care much. I have friends who sit in all different squares. But we're all trying to make sense of something that is in many respects unprovable, unknowable.

I'm going to keep trying to be who I am. I love Jesus. And that I'm never going to hide.