Drama, oh, the Horror!

I love, love, love teaching high school English. (And no, that wasn't sarcasm, I was being completely serious.) I love the literature. I love their sense of humor. I love it when something finally clicks, and I can actually hear the gears whirring and humming in their little heads, processing new info, learning something of value. It's incredibly rewarding. Seeing a student's writing go from horrific to passable and finally onto something special is something I can't quite describe. It's fulfilling. And then there are days like today...

Days full of "Drama". I tell you, the soaps may be off of the television, but the over-acting is alive and well in the halls of the high school. Erg. They are almost out of control.



I found this really good website with info that I am re-posting here. Some of you need to read it. Some of you need to read it twice. (You know who you are.)

http://www.surfinthespirit.com/

God wants the best for us in every area of our lives. This includes friendships:

You are known by the company you keep.

We tend to become like the company we keep. This principle is just as important in friendships as in dating.  "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Friendships

Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps in time of trouble."

Understand the truth about your reputation.

Is hanging around this friend bringing down your reputation? Do people think that you are doing the same thing(s) your friend is doing? Find a true friend who can keep you accountable.

If you are starting the mess, just stop it. I mean literally, stop it. Stand up and loudly tell anyone you see being a jackwagon to stop it. Stand up and loudly proclaim that if we call the name of Christ, we sure shootin' better be living it by everything that comes out of our mouths, because it's a direct reflection of what is really in our hearts.

If that fails, go get an adult. I assure you that I'll tell someone exactly where to get off of the bus if someone is bullying you or harrassing you. It's unacceptable behavior and inconsistant with a Christ-like calling. It's only funny to the people not being teased (and even then it should be repulsive to the heart of true Christians).
Don't run your mouth. Just shut it. Not everything you know needs to be said out loud (in fact, probably 70% of it needs to be kept private.) Don't share info about other students. Don't gossip. Don't backbite. Don't lie. Don't exaggerate. Don't be foul-mouthed. Don't sow or encourage discord/fighting. Don't be THAT person! We will all know you by your fruit.

And Ladies and Gentleman? If someone is talking smack about that person over there, the second your back is turned they are talking smack about you too. Keep that in mind when you listen to gossip! You are being talked about out of that exact same mouth you were listening to a minute ago.

Just stand up for what is good and right! Be holy and love what is holy! Be a good friend.