Many Faces of WisdomFaith and Wisdom in James
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Hearing and Doing the Word
1 Peter 3:13-19
New International Version13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[a]; do not be frightened.”[b] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[c] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— For ReflectionWhen we reflect on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. or John Lewis, we may think that we don't have the opportunity to serve God in such a large arena. Well perhaps not, but that should not stop us from engaging in "good trouble."
I returned to my high school to teach English in 1963. The school system had been consolidated by that time so not all the colleagues knew me as a high-schooler. When I coached my student's writing skills, I confessed that I was not a good speller. (Later during postgraduate studies, I discovered that I was dyslexic.) I disclosed that I had always been embarrassed by my inability to spell. I suggested that there were probably many students who also had a problem with spelling. I encouraged them to exchange papers with others. If they had the initials of three other readers, I would not award an "F" if I found a spelling error. After the gasping died down, they followed my instructions. Funny, though, not only did I not find spelling errors, I also discovered that their writing became crisper and more concise.
This lead to my "Good trouble." Many of the other English teachers criticized me, accusing me of not doing my job. To be a good English teacher, they assumed that the student had to write alone. I thought that even Steven King needed an editor. It seems "good trouble" doesn't have to be dependent on jail time or beatings for a global cause.
PrayPray and find the courage to engage in "good trouble" as a natural course of action in all that you do.
Forward to a friend
| 
