In view of the recent shooting in Parkland, FL, I feel compelled to share a poem – it is purported to have been written by a 15-year old student, though I can’t find any reliable source to enlighten us on who the author is! I received it by email about the topic of public schools a week ago from friends who couldn’t have known about the impending shooting.
Snopes (which, according to Forbes, is one of the worst places to fact check) has discredited the source of the poem, but it’s the words that carry many truths!
Here is exactly what I was sent:
This young man received an A+ for this (TOTALLY AWESOME) entry.
Prayer is not allowed in most U.S. Public schools any more.
A kid in Minnesota wrote the following NEW School Prayer:
New School Prayer
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall,
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God’s name is prohibited by the State.
We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King.
It’s ‘inappropriate’ to teach right from wrong.
We’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It’s scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns, the school’s a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; my soul please take!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This author speaks with more wisdom than most of those in our legal system and in our government today. In this writing, he is not ranting or raving or spewing out hatred. The author is clearly stating the issues.
“Welcome to a nation that has forsaken the Ten Commandments, lost the fear of God, and has left a generation without moral guidance, where prayer is asked for the victims’ families, but the God to whom we are praying is ignored.” ~Ray Comfort
Homeschool Realities
We are suppose to be a democracy, but unfortunately our rights are being stripped away one by one. The new normal is bad behavior, and good behavior is made to look foolish. What do we expect as an outcome when we remove God from schools?
While a school shooting wasn’t a thing to be considered when we decided to home-educate in 1991, we homeschooled our three through high school. Today one flies Emberaer-175s and 737s for a major airline; one is an organic farmer, married and just bought their first home; and our daughter married her love last January, and they run a thriving business of 3 homeshows a year in the Pacific North West.
Was homeschooling hard? I think so.
Did our kids lose out on socialization, fun, skills or opportunities? I think not!
Did homeschooling help them become confident, independent thinkers and contributors to society? Definitely!
I implore you, parents, please consider homeschooling your children!
Is a School Shooting an Increasing Reality?
In Wake of the Douglas High School Shooting, Some Parents Ponder Homeschooling
My Fear Of School Shootings Was A Major Factor In My Decision To Homeschool
The Real Reason Why Schools Shootings Happen
Silent Tragedy: Every Parent Who Cares About The Future Of His/Her Child Should Read This
18 Reasons Why Doctors and Lawyers Homeschool Their Children
The BIG Questions: Is It Legal? I don’t have a teaching degree. Can I really teach my child?
The Pioneer Woman: Why I Homeschool, and What My Approach Is
Homeschooling Works! How do home schoolers measure up?
How to Take Your Child Out of School to Home School
“For me, home education has been a terrific journey away from static forms of learning, institutional hoops to jump through, forms to please others, and a journey into a magical world of wonder and discovery. Not always relaxing, but certainly an exciting process.” ~Val, California homeschool mom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” ~James 1:5
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Thanks for reading!
Linda says
Hi Jacqueline! I have a reporter here in Dallas, Texas interested in the article regarding the shooting. Are you the author? Would you mind replying to me via email with the best way for her to reach you?
Charlotte Moore says
This poem is so true. I read it a year or so ago some where. What a shame to have to say it is true.
Jacqueline says
It just makes me cry, Charlotte! All we can do is pray and be salt and light! Love you! J