From the desk of Rod Fletcher, Headmaster:

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27              

One day recently, I spent the morning watching a family walk through an extremely painful and life-altering experience.  That evening, I watched a young man on national TV experience a coveted moment of life-changing fame.  As an observer, I was drawn to both, and as I joined in the emotions of both extremes, I realized how we are naturally fascinated by the responses of people to both of these realities, pain and fame.  We want to see if people can “handle” each of these in a way that glorifies God.  We secretly hope they will provide us an example of how to do it well.  As I look back at people I have known who have experienced deep pain, I completely understand when it overcomes them and their lives are unable to withstand the suffering.  I have known those who have had the rare opportunity of incredible fame and watched with understanding, but also sadness, as they allow the spotlight to change their values and character.

But it has been truly inspiring to see those who have journeyed down both of these roads, stood firm in their faith, kept their eyes on the Lord, and set their hearts and minds on things above. As humans, throughout our lifetime, we all experience some level of both pain and fame.  We hope for one and hate the other, but both can be used greatly to draw us to God and greatly impact a watching world.  As believers in Christ, God’s Word gives us hope for how to respond to both.  Both are an incredible opportunity to cause watchful eyes to not see ourselves, but to see Christ glorified. I am challenged as both an educator and a parent to encourage my students and children to respond well to both pain and fame, relying on God and in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.