Echoes and Stars

After three years of teaching at Westminster, I will not be able to do so next year.

Last Thursday I was told my contract would not be renewed for me to be a teacher at Westminster School at Oak Mountain. I was told there was no longer a full-time position in the Bible Department available for me. They made it clear this was not a decision based on my performance – I have never had a bad review or been given anything but positive feedback on an observation. It was a decision based on efficiency.

There are two things I want to be known:

1) I want the Westminster community to know this was not my choice. To all the parents of my students – I love teaching your children. I have loved partnering with you.  And I am nothing but sad about this news. After three years of high-fiving your kids in the hall, hugging them, giving them a hard time, and listening to their thoughts on all that matters in this world and the next, it will be hard to move on to another chapter.

2) I need help finding a new job. I have already begun the process of looking for a new position but I need help. We are committed to staying in the Birmingham area. We want to stay at our church and we want to stay in our neighborhood. So, with my hat in hand, I am asking for ideas and offers of help in finding a new job.

Please pray for us. Pray that we would believe the very things I teach my students:

– “Do not worry about your life…”

– “The unseen reality of God and his kingdom rule.”

– “We are citizens of a kingdom of love, joy, and peace.”

– “This is not my biggest problem. My biggest has already been dealt a fatal blow on the cross.”

And of course…

– “Repent. Believe. Fight.”

Pray that we would move forward with joy and not bitterness. That’s a hard one.

Pray that we would know the peace of God, which is better than understanding our circumstances and why they are what they are.

Pray that we will believe God is working even this for our good and his glory.

Pray that we believe He is getting it right.