We are at a critical time in Oklahoma history and I am very disappointed with the animosity, hatefulness, and childish bullying behavior that has been displayed from both the citizens of Oklahoma and even yes, some of the legislators toward each other. While I agree that the teachers could use a pay raise, the entire situation is out-of-control and I am greatly concerned as to how it will be reigned back in.
I know that our legislators have struggled with what to do which will be the best for the entire state and still please everyone but it seems that the demands of the OEA just keep increasing. I truly feel that no matter what piece of legislation is passed, it will never be enough. At this point it appears that the desire of the OEA is more to show their power and control than it is to increase the productivity and quality of education in the classroom; and the division they have caused between friends, neighbors, and families is intolerable.
"I know on more than one occasion when I have prayed for someone with whom I did not agree, while that person might not have changed, my attitude about them did. Prayer does change things, even if it is me."
As a citizen of Oklahoma, whose family has been here since before statehood, I have struggled with what I can do to get us past this horrible situation. The only answer that comes to my mind is to pray. Pray for the leaders of the OEA. Pray for the teachers. Pray for the citizens of Oklahoma, and most importantly, pray for the legislators and their assistants, who are walking through the fire and having to deal with all of this on a daily basis.
Now, more than ever, our legislators need your prayers, not your criticisms. Whether you agree, or disagree, they need your prayers. Even if you vehemently disagree, doesn't the Word instruct us to, love our enemy and pray for those who persecute us? I know on more than one occasion when I have prayed for someone with whom I did not agree, while that person might not have changed, my attitude about them did. Prayer does change things, even if it is me.
Right now, legislators and their assistants are being bombarded with hateful, negative, and hurtful emails over the teacher pay raise situation. What if we tried for one day, to turn that around and counteract with prayer emails? Just let them know that you are praying for them today. Write a simple prayer asking the Lord to give them wisdom, discernment, and common sense as they lead the state in this vital time in Oklahoma history and send it in an email. I guarantee you it will be welcomed and appreciated.
I personally want to thank our legislators for the work they are doing in leading Oklahoma through our state legislature. Having spent a lot of time up at the Capitol, I know that what they are doing is often very difficult and unappreciated. So, today, I am covering them with this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you today for the men and women you have placed into leadership in Oklahoma. I pray that you will bless them today with wisdom, discernment, and clarity of mind. I ask, Father, that you will allow them to extend the grace and mercy to others that you have extended to them. Protect them, Lord, and keep them safe. Be with their families and cover them with your peace. Thank you, Lord, for already going through the fire for all of us and remind us that that the tomb is still empty and You are the One who sits on the throne. In the powerful name of Jesus I ask, amen.
Please, take just a minute and be the hands and feet of Jesus to the ones who have been placed in the position of leadership in our state by interceding for them in prayer.
