One by one they gathered. The sky looked ominous, yet there was no attention paid to the dark clouds. Listening intently to the one talking, the one sharing, they nodded their head in agreement. One spoke of the loss of a friend, another spoke of the challenges that are faced each and every day. Symbolically, they stood, holding hands, in a circle, around the pole, with the Flag still flying at half mast. SYATP. That is, "See You At The Pole." United and supporting one another, they gathered to share their faith, their story, hopes and even concerns. Freshman and Seniors. Sophomores and Juniors. Together.

    Hear the Good News, God accepted each one, regardless of their differences, impartially and fully. God accepts and invites all. When these students here in Tatum, and the others who are and were participating in this gathering, opened their hearts and turned to God, they were all equal. An interesting point is that to look at the way they were dressed, combed their hair, held their back pack and even wore their make-up, you would not be able to tell or distinguish them from a student that did not participate. There is not a special group that has exclusive access to God, and by that same token, there are not special groups that are excluded from God. It is in the heart and it is in the response.

Prayer:  

    Those who are and those who are not, those who have and those who have not, Lord, why is it we think we must create differences? Why oh why do we separate our brothers and sisters by categories? Please Lord, let me see beyond the exterior and discover hearts. Let me know people as You know people, Your loved and blessed creation. Help me in this endeavor I pray. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.