LIFE IN BLOOM

Learning How to Flourish in God's Grace

Tag Archives: Family


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Sometimes My Students Overwhelm Me…

It’s Monday.  I’m moving slow. I’m trying to get my work done in the most efficient way possible.  I’m sitting in my classroom, working; but also listening to the class that’s taking place.  Senior English, filled with a bunch of students who I love dearly and who frustrate me just as much.

Their conversation is on justice and revenge, based out of their current reading of the book “Flight“.  The question posed to the class is about what constitutes justice, and if/when you should pursue revenge…or the idea of “an eye for an eye”.

Most students are explaining why they would pursue revenge and why revenge could be a form of justice.  And then I hear this comment:

“If somebody killed my mom, justice for me would be forgiveness.  If I pursued revenge, I would still have greed and hate in my heart and I wouldn’t feel right; so I feel that the ultimate justice is for me to forgive them.”

The emotion that I felt as I processed that statement, and what it meant was overwhelming.  As I thought about that statement, my eyes welled up with tears.  In a culture that promotes “an eye for an eye” and always getting even as a means of getting ahead; I praise God for students who know and understand the essence of love and forgiveness.

Out of the mouths of babes…

Peace and blessings…


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Friday Favorites- Stuff My Mom Says

Y’all, my mom is funny.  Actually she’s hilarious.  I don’t know that she intends to be funny, but she is.  Sometimes I have to refrain from laughing during a serious moment, because she says some crazy stuff.  Here are some things that my mom has said over the years that STILL have me cracking up.

  1. “My mouth ain’t no icebox.  I can’t keep nothing…” – Yes, Mom.  You’re right.  You tell EVERYTHING.  Well not everything, but almost everything.  I don’t have to be on the family email blasts, because I can just ask you.  And I love how you always front like I was supposed to know something.  “Oh, you ain’t know that __________________?  Well where you been?” Working, Mom. Working.
  2. “If I have to leave my job and come to that school because YOU don’t know how to act…you better hope that the Lord speaks to me before I speak to you because if  he doesn’t…” – She never had to finish that sentence.  I already knew what it meant.  And she never had to leave her job and come to school, because I KNEW how to act.  We’ll just call that sufficient parenting.
  3. “Well, when you get AIDS in your nose, don’t call me…” -after I was off being grown on Spring Break and got my nose pierced.  I’m happy to report that the piercing has grown on her (10 years later).
  4. “No, homegirl.  You know your boobs are too big to be in that flimsy bra.”– First, she called me homegirl.  Then she just gonna yell my info out across the lingerie section of Macy’s while searching for the appropriate undergarments to go with my prom dress. Help me Jesus. I think part of my face is still on the 2nd floor of Macy’s.
  5. “Erin, the Lord gives each of us gifts.  You are a very good reader.  You are a good athlete.  You are NOT a good singer. So, please stop singing in the car.”– This was funny because it’s true. But I was mad at the time.  She definitely said this in front of one of my friends leaving me all kinds of embarrassed.  But I was more mad that she told me I wasn’t a good singer after all those years of making me sing in the kiddie choir.  Do you know what I could have done with those Saturday mornings?

She might be crazy; she might be ridiculous; she’s DEFINITELY hilarious, and I’m so glad she’s mine.  Love you, Mom!  What are some crazy things your mother said/says?

Until next time…